BY DAN STICKRADT
CORRESPONDENT
dan.stickradt@northoaklandsports.com
Twitter: @LocalSportsFans
HUDSONVILLE — Kalebb Perry made the most of his return to the sport of track and field this spring.
The Mt. Pleasant senior came back to the grand oval after a year off and claimed the Division 1 state title in the high jump. Competing in a wide-open field, Perry cleared 6-foot-7 to become the last competitor standing June 4 at Hudsonville High School.
Perry, who had career-best of 6-8 earlier in the season, went out at 6-9 at the state finals after barely clipping the bar on his second attempt.
“I played baseball as a junior,” said Perry. “But I was really good at track, so I came back as a senior. I didn’t have a very good state meet as a sophomore and got all mad at myself. I’m glad I came back this season.”
Perry qualified for the Division 2 state finals as both a freshman and sophomore in the high jump. He claimed 12th at the state meet as a ninth-grader (6-2) and sixth at state as a sophomore (6-4).
As a senior, Perry finished the season undefeated at invitatoinals in the high jump, winning titles at the Gary Rathbun Invitational, Ithaca Blue and Gold Invite, Mason Invitational, Cavaliers Classic True Team Invitational, Davison Twilight Classic, Davison regional, Saginaw Valley League conference meet and Mt. Pleasant Morning Sun Meet of Champions to go along with his state title.
Over in the long jump pit, Perry also leapt to an outstanding season with eight victories, two runners-up and a fourth-place finish in the long jump in a career-best 22-8.
As a sprinter, he rotated time on the Oilers’ three sprint relay units while recording personal bests of 11.54 in the 100 meters, 23.65 in the 200 meters and 55.17 in the 400 meters.
“I really wanted to come back strong this season and try to win the state championship,” said Perry, who will compete in football at Western Michigan University. “I also thought that this would get me in shape for football. I am so glad I came back. Winning the state title is a dream come true.”