Jeff Moeller, sports correspondent
For a young Trinity Perine, running around the block wasn’t just a simple jog: it proved to be the initial steps toward becoming Richmond Hill High School’s record holder in the 200 and 400 meter races.
“I started running when I was about eight years old,” recalled Perine. “My dad (Tremayne) first noticed I was pretty fast when I used to run around our cul-de-sac with my neighbor, and that’s what got me into track.”
It was her father’s consistent support that has fueled her passion.
“I got started in track because of my dad’s motivation and my competitive mindset,” said Perine. “It has never been a challenge to get me to run, it has just been something fun that I knew I could do well.”
As a freshman, Perine certainly has made her mark, and she has the potential to rewrite the record books several times over.
Perine recently broke the school record in the 400 with her time of 54.43, breaking the previous record of 55.03 held by Akira Burt. She also set the school record in the 200 with her time of 24.38. Perine also is part of the 4 x 400 relay team, and she is only 0.02 seconds off the record for the 100.
The relay, in which she runs the last leg, is one that she eagerly awaits.
“The 4x400m relay is my favorite, even when we’re not in a huge deficit,” said Perine. “Being the last leg and giving that final effort to bring us to gold really shows my determination and what I’m capable of.”
However, when she began running, Perine ran longer races. But she later shifted her focus.
“I originally started running the 400 as a part of my training for the 800 and 1500m race,” said Perine.
“Over time, I realized that longer distances weren’t what I wanted to focus on. So I started putting more work into the 400 and 800, and that’s when things really began to click for me.
Getting the record in the 400 truly was a highlight.
“I started feeling confident in the 400 when my times kept improving and I began to make it to higher levels of competition,” said Perine. “Ultimately, giving me the motivation for the years to come.
“Breaking the school record was a very exciting and emotional moment for me. In every meet, I had not been far off the record, but finally being able to reach a new personal best and break the school record by nearly a whole second was amazing.”
In addition to her father, Perine was motivated by her cousin, DeRico Tilley, who is the current head track coach at Huffman High School in Birmingham, Alabama. Tilley was influential in helping her work with AAU coach Issac Turner.
“My cousin was a successful runner and was able to help my dad find my first track and field coach. He is the first runner in my family that I immediately think of.”
Coach Turner also has played a major role in her development.
“He has definitely motivated me the most,” said Turner. “I trust the training, I take his criticism to heart, and understand that everything I work for will be worth the wait and hard moments.”
Getting to the high school program always had been a long-range goal. She also has respected a divine force throughout her career, helping her to appreciate all of her talents and gifts.
“I have been looking forward to competing at the high school level for a while, so it has meant a lot to finally get the opportunity to do that under Coach Sybert,” reflected Perine.
“Nevertheless, all of my coaches have made a positive impact on my overall career, but God is definitely another amazing influence in my life. I've had good and bad days on the track, but his guidance and ability to give me a gift of running has been something I’ve learned to not take for granted.”
Head coach Levi Sybert has marveled in Perine’s work ethic and accomplishments.
“She’s a freshman, an extremely above average extraordinarily hard worker in practice,” said Sybert. “It really has helped the entire sprint group tremendously with that level of intensity.
“She is super fun to be around. She’s also got a great competitive spirit and positive demeanor before and after each race. She is truly a joy to be around and have on a team.”
In the state meet next week, Perine will compete in the 400 and the 4 x 400 early even though she also qualified in the 200. Maintaining a record pace in nearly all of her events has been a challenge, but Perine attributes her success to a rigid and steady approach.
“I manage all of these events by staying disciplined with my training and recovery,” said Perine. “Even when it’s hard I finish practices, get good rest, and take care of my body. Of course, I get tired after multiple events, but I recover throughout the meet, use the adrenaline to push me forward, and keep a strong mindset.”
In addition to her stringent physical and mental training, Perine had relied on a strong support group.
“Many amazing athletes have shaped the way I see my goals and future, but my family and friends are the next best influences that have pushed me to be the athlete I am today,” said Perine. “The people around me that have helped me the most hold me accountable, help me stay positive, and keep me humble throughout the process.
“It made all the hard work and training finally worth it, and a great way to show the type of athlete I am and how I represent Richmond Hill High School.”