Michael Perez

Freshman distance runner Michael Perez has been chosen for this week’s Athlete of the Week. He was born in Tampa, Florida, but he attended Ponchatoula High School, where he was named captain of cross-country and track as well as Rookie of the Year and MVP. Additionally, Perez broke the 2-mile record at PHS set in 1987. Perez majoring in business administration.  

TLR: When did you start running cross-country?

MP:  When I was a freshman in high school. 

TLR: What do you like about the sport?

MP: I love to run. It’s like my quiet place. I like that cross-country is more of a family sport. When you join the team, it’s not exactly a sport where you just compete. You make friends, everyone’s a family and has a good time. 

TLR: Who is your athletic inspiration?

MP: My high school coach. She definitely got me on my feet. When I first started running, I wasn’t good at all. But she’s really inspired me to be the best that I can be. 

TLR: When did you move to Louisiana? 

MP: I moved here when I was 3 year old. 

TLR: Why did you choose Southeastern?

MP: I really like that it’s a smaller school. I went to Lafayette and it was really big, and no one responded to my calls. They didn’t make me feel like I was wanted. The coaches here were really smooth and nice, so I chose Southeastern. 

TLR: How have you been able to balance being a student-athlete? 

MP: I haven’t. I am still trying to catch on. Time management is my biggest issue in college so far. 

TLR: What has been the biggest challenge of transitioning from high school athletics to college cross-country and track? 

MP: The workouts are definitely harder than high school workouts, but they’re more beneficial. 

TLR: What are your hopes for your athletic career both in college and out of college?

MP: You’d have to be really good to get into the professional league. In college, I’d like to break some records at Southeastern and set some new records for the team. I’d also like to be an influence for other team members. 

TLR: What are some of your cross-country and track achievements you’re most proud of?

MP: My greatest achievement in cross-country was in high school when my junior year team placed second in districts. My greatest achievement in track was breaking the 2-mile record for Ponchatoula High School. 

TLR: Who has impacted you the most during your time at Southeastern? 

MP: Coach Chaps is a really cool guy. He’s really easy-going. He loves distance running. He sets high goals, and that inspires me to be better, work harder and be the best I can be for the team and myself.