Junior Austin Perdue is a three-sport athlete at Healdton High School, where he competes on the Bulldogs football, baseball, and track and field teams. Perdue is a three-year starter on the football team, playing at either quarterback or running back.

On the baseball squad, Perdue is also a three-year starter, primarily playing in center field. This season, he’s leading the Bulldogs in on-base percentage and stolen bases.

“Austin plays hard and fast,” coach Tyler Lewis said. “He plays the game the right way and is not afraid to get dirty. Austin’s biggest attribute that makes him stand out on the field is his speed. His ability to run makes it easy for him to track down fly balls and easily steal bases.”

Whenever he’s not playing baseball, Perdue is a sprinter on the track team. After qualifying for the 100m dash as a freshman, Perdue has qualified for the 100m and 200m sprints this season. At the regional championship in Alex, Perdue placed 3rd in the 100m dash with a time of 11.46. He also placed 5th in the 200m dash with a time of 23.31. Perdue’s 100m time was the 5th best time out of all four regional meets in Class 2A, while his 200m time was good for 7th best in the class.

Outside of athletics, Perdue is involved in Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and Family, Career and Community Leaders of America. Upon graduation, Perdue plans to attend college and study to become a football coach. Perdue credits first-year Healdton football coach Tanner Richardson for his success on the football field.

“[Tanner] made me want to become a coach,” Perdue said. “He pushed me to work harder, and he motivated me to in the weight room.”

In his free time, Perdue enjoys being outdoors whether it’s camping, fishing, or hunting.