Perry junior Lily Myers is gearing up for her return to the state cross country stage this Friday, as she prepares to compete in the Class 3A State Championship at Kennedy Park in Fort Dodge.

It’s a familiar course and a familiar challenge for Myers, who ran at the same site a year ago and finished 105th in the field. This time, however, she’s bringing a year’s worth of growth and confidence with her.

Myers has put together a stellar season that earned her a second consecutive trip to state.  With that experience under her belt, she’s approaching this year’s meet with a new mindset.

“Last year I was really in my head, I feel like,” Myers said.  “I don’t think I performed that well at State, and so I think this year heading into it I need to be more just thinking about how it’s another race.  Like yes, there’s a lot of girls and yes, it’s the best girls, but I qualified and I earned my spot just like the rest of them.  I just need to remember that if I work hard and run like I can run, that I do belong there.”

Even though she’ll be the lone Perry representative at Fort Dodge, Myers hasn’t been preparing alone.  Her teammates have continued to run with her in practice, helping her stay sharp and focused leading up to the biggest race of the season.

Myers will take to the starting line on Friday at 2 p.m., hoping to turn last year’s experience into a stronger finish and end her junior campaign among the state’s best.