PEREZ TAKES TITLE

Justin Perez (r) of Flint Powers
talks with RMDC's Scott Collins

-photo by Dave McCauley , RMDC -

Justin Perez and
Flint Powers
Win B Crowns

Jackson, Michigan
November 6th, 1999

By Dave McCauley
& Scott Collins - RMDC

As with the Class D Boys race, the L.P. Class B Boys race also had the same school producing both the individual and team champions.

In the individual race, Justin Perez of Flint Powers Catholic took the overall title with a time of 15:19.9. Perez came from back in the pack at the early stages of the race and continued to move up on the leaders. The Powers senior, finished his cross country career in style as he moved past Curtis Marlowe of Richland Gull Lake into the last mile and stayed strong until the finish. Marlowe was the individual runner-up with a time of 15:28.2.

Although Perez was confident, an individual title was still a welcome surprise, after finishing in 21st place at both the 1997 & 1998 finals. "It's great. I can't explain it. It's just amazing. I was ranked fourth going into the race and I knew I could be up there with everyone else."

Perez came through also for his team, as Flint Powers took the team title with 144 points, edging out Holland Christian, who finished with 162 points. Top ranked Big Rapids finished third with 170. Fourth went to Trenton with 199 points and Ida took fifth with 211 points.