Livingston’s Perez, Lao make college choices

Daisy Perez would have told you there was no way she would be running in college when she started competing in cross country and track & field her freshmen year.

“I tried it just for fun and I thought it was the worst thing ever,” the Livingston High senior said.

It wasn’t until she started getting involved in crossfit training that she developed her passion for running. Last week, Perez committed to the University of Wisconsin-Stout as a walk-on.

“I’m super excited,” said Perez, who is expected to compete in the long distance events in college. “This is something I knew I wanted to do and it’s cool I get this great opportunity.”

Perez, who has a 3.5 GPA, will receive a multicultural scholarship, which will help offset the cost of attending Wisconsin-Stout. Perez won the the 1600 meter run (5 minutes and 38.96 seconds) and 3200 meter run (12:49.52) at the 2016 Merced County Championships earlier this spring. She is a two time CIF SJS Division IV/V qualifier in the 800 and 1600.

Livingston High held a short ceremony to recognize Perez and teammate Tina Lao, who has been offered a walk-on spot as a thrower for the University of Nevada-Reno.

“I wanted to cry,” Lao said. “Even now, I still can’t believe it. It’s unreal. I’ve worked hard for this.”

Lao also took home two individual titles at the Merced County Championships, winning the shot put (39 feet, 2 inches) and the discus (115-6). She is also a three-time Sac-Joaquin Section Masters qualifier in both events.

Lao said Nevada has been watching her since her junior year.

“All I wanted was one chance,” Lao said. “I feel (Nevada) sees something in me. I’ve worked hard and come along way.”

Lao hopes to represent Livingston well in college.

“We’re a small town and people always underestimate us,” she said. “We’re always the underdogs at Livingston. That’s how it was when we won the basketball championship. We’re hard working people and I want to do it for them.”

This story was originally published April 20, 2016 at 5:19 PM with the headline "Livingston’s Perez, Lao make college choices."