Perezchica Joins Jaguar Cross Country Team

UNIVERSITY PARK, IL — The Governors State men's cross country team didn't need to look far to sign its latest recruit, securing incoming freshman Emmanuel (Manny) Perezchica from nearby Rich South High School.

A three-sport athlete for the Stars, Perezchica ran four years of cross country in addition to competing in track and field and volleyball. He was named Most Improved runner as a freshman and twice earned the team's Spirit Award. His career-best time in the three-mile was 18:00.

Born in Calvillo, Aguascalientes, Mexico and raised in Matteson, Manny is the son of Rosalba Perezchica. He will major in business at GSU with a focus on entrepreneurship. Away from the classroom, Perezchica enjoys photography and glass blowing as hobbies.

"Manny is a hard worker and a very good student — he wants to excel in his major and in cross country," said GSU Head Coach Kevin Kredens. "He's a smart runner and will adapt to the transition from high school to college. He joins a pretty solid group of freshmen and veterans."

Perezchica is the third recruit to sign with the Jaguars this spring, joining Omari Coleman (Alan B. Shepard HS) and Nick Bushey (Herscher HS) in the Class of 2023.