The annual Heart of Iowa Conference cross country meet is set for this evening at Gateway Recreation, with PCM hosting the nine-team coed event which will include Perry.  The boys will lead off the meet at 4:00 p.m., followed by the girls at 4:30 p.m.

Perry will make its second appearance of the season on the Monroe course, a familiar ground that yielded strong performances in late September.  At that meet, junior Lily Myers claimed silver with a time of 22:12.59, while sophomore Ivan Willet led the boys with a ninth-place finish in 19:38.83.

Myers enters the meet with championship pedigree, having won the HOIC individual title as a freshman and placing fifth a season ago.  She’ll look to return to the podium in a competitive field expected to be paced by West Marshall.

On the boys’ side, Saydel appears to be the team to beat, coming in as the favorite behind a strong and consistent season.  Perry, led by Willet and Edwyrd Steil, will look to build on their recent form and improve on their team standing from a year ago of seventh.

With cool October temperatures and a fast course expected, times should be favorable as athletes compete for conference glory.  Perry cross country toes the line tonight in Monroe with high hopes and seasoned leaders ready to rise to the occasion.