Perez-tucker aims high
Mohon star targets several events as state meet nears
As soon as her winter track and field campaign concluded, Zionna Pereztucker immediately turned her attention to achieving her spring goals. Denied a chance to compete at the state outdoor track and field championships in both 2020 and 2021 because of the coronavirus pandemic, Pereztucker knew she only had one chance to accomplish her aspirations as a senior.
One week after sweeping the 100, 200 and 400 sprints at the Group 2 sectionals at Averill Park, the Mohonasen standout secured victories at the Division I state qualifier in the 100 and 200 competing at Shenendehowa.
Perez-tucker, who won both the 55- and 300meter runs at the state indoor championships in March, posted the top time in the state this season (11.80 seconds) in the 100-meter final at Shenendehowa.
“This means everything, it means everything that I’m doing, I’m still improving,” Perez-tucker said afterward. “This is the time to improve and have my times where they need to be. Today was the day to make my statement against the other girls. I’m here to let them know that I’m here to win.”
For her efforts, Pereztucker has been selected as the Times Union's Girls' Athlete of the Week for May 30-June 5.
Three events after winning the 100 at the Division I state qualifier, Perez-tucker returned to the track and won the 200 in 24.74 seconds. That clocking is among the top 10 in the state this season.
Earlier this season, Perez-tucker posted the No. 2 time in Section II history (11.93) in winning at the Colonie Relays. She also swept the 100, 200 and 400 titles at the Colonial Council championships. Her time at the Division I state qualifier would have been good enough to establish a new Section II record, but it was wind-aided.
Perez-tucker, who is committed to Division I Mount St. Mary's to continue her running career, has a best time in the 200 this season at 24.54 – just off the state's top time turned in by Paul Robeson's Leanne Mcdonald (24.45) at the PSAL Championships May 29.
The state outdoor championships are being held Friday and Saturday at Cicero-north Syracuse High School.