Four years ago, Jennifer Perry decided to decided to follow in the footsteps of her elder sister, Caitlyn, who graduated from the Northampton program two years ago.

Now, as a senior, the younger Perry has been blazing a trail of her own as she has best her personal best (PB) times in the 1,600 and 3,200 meter runs this season.

"I basically got involved because my sister was on the team," stated Jennifer. "But I have always enjoyed running. I figured I would try it. By the end of my freshman year, I was pretty comfortable with everything."

Since then, her high school career has been steadily progressing. She finished third in the 3,200 at the Lehigh Valley Conference meet last season. This year, Perry has posted a number of first-place finishes. Her PB time in the 1,600 is 5:29 and her PB in the 3,200 is 11:33.

Perry has attributed her success this season to a rigorous off-season running program in which she trained all winter long.

"I wanted to run as much as I could to help increase my endurance and my speed," she said. "It is my senior year and I would like to medal at districts and then have a shot at states. I also know I have to work on lowering my time along the way.

"I increased my mileage run each week until I was up to running 30 to 40 miles per week. It has helped especially in the (3,200)."

"We figured Jennifer would have a good season for us," said head track coach Tim Caffrey. "She has worked extremely hard over the past few years and has developed into a consistent runner for us. She should have a strong finish to her season."

Perry has also worked to sharpen her focus and concentration for her race. She also has worked to curb her enthusiasm and anticipation with each impending meet.

"We don't have that many meets throughout the season, so I have to be very focused on each one," she said. "On the day of a meet, I find myself thinking about how I am going to run each race.

"I'm drinking water all day long and then usually eat something small before the race. Most days, I am very anxious to get out there."

Perry also maintains her focus by playing the piano, a hobby she has maintained since second grade, and she also plays field hockey in the fall.

"Playing the piano has been something I have enjoyed and it keeps me focused," she said. "It is also something in which I have to keep my concentration."

After graduation, Perry plans to attend Penn State to pursue a nursing career. However, it will be time when her competitive running career likely will come to an end. She understands the rigidity of the program.

"It will be hard for me to run while studying nursing," she said. "It is a major that requires a lot of time. But I will continue to run on my own as long as I can."

Until then, she plans to blaze her final trail.