Tharptown runner signs NWSCC scholarship

RUSSELLVILLE — Tharptown High School senior Daniel Jimenez Perfecto turned a longterm goal into reality when he signed a crosscountry scholarship with Northwest Shoals Community College. He plans to major in civil engineering.

“Getting a scholarship to Northwest was a big goal for me going from my sophomore year to my senior year,” Jimenez Perfecto said.

He said seeing two teammates earn scholarships to community colleges showed him the same opportunity could be possible with enough work.

Tharptown coach Darryl Baker said Jimenez Perfecto has run cross country for three years and improved his times each season.

“His goal was always to run for Northwest, and he reached that goal,” Baker said.

Baker said Jimenez Perfecto helped lead the Wildcats to state competition during his time at Tharptown.

“He’s a very likable kid who works hard and stays committed to his goals,” Baker said.

He said he and Baker worked together to set goals throughout his high school career.

“We worked together to set a goal, and he helped lead our team to qualify for state competition,” Baker said.

Jimenez Perfecto said students should not get discouraged if one sport is not the right fit.