You would think running alongside three veteran senior runners might be a little intimidating for a freshman.  That’s not the case for Perry frosh Reece Dunlap who will compete in the 1600 medley relay for Perry at this week’s state track meet in Des Moines.  Dunlap is the only underclassman on a stacked relay loaded with senior talent to the likes of Nic Wilhelmi, Scott James and future Morningside College star Keegan Pfau.

“I never really thought about it that much,” added the sprinter Dunlap.  “I know it has been really fun running with these guys.  It’s just crazy to think that last year I was running with and against only eighth graders but now I’m running at state with three seniors counting on me.  I’m having a blast.”

So is Perry Head Coach Ben Coy.  After mixing up the lineup several times throughout the course of the year, Coy settled on this quartet of Bluejays who have captured the Raccoon River Conference title and the state qualifying meet championship in this event.

“Yeah, coach kind of moved guys in and out throughout the year but has settled on us down the stretch.  We have high expectations in the race and really feel that a top five finish is not out of the question.”

Dunlap also plays football and basketball for the Bluejays and has certainly showed the maturity of a senior during his inaugural run at the varsity level.