Disappointment has followed Gunnar Perry throughout his career.
Since he got a chance to be a varsity contributor as a freshman, the Edgewood High football team has taken its fair share of lumps with just six wins over his first three years.
However, all of that appears to be a thing of the past for Perry and company.
"We just got sick of everyone doubting us," explained the senior tight end-defensive back. "We worked very hard all summer long in the weight room to get bigger, faster, and stronger. Now, everyone is doing their jobs and we're playing well as a team. We also have great leaders both on and off the field."
The Mustangs (5-1) have managed to silence their critics as they are off to their best start since 2019 when they also won five of their first six contests.
Included in this successful run was a thrilling 31-30 double-overtime decision over No. 1 (Class 1A) South Putnam in which Perry racked up 19 tackles, an interception, and three receptions for 13 yards.
Wherever he lines up on the field, he has contributed.
After recorded a team-high 139 tackles a year ago from his middle linebacker spot, he is still thriving in the secondary with 68 total stops, including six for loss, 1.5 quarterback sacks, two interceptions, and six pass deflections.
"I believe one of my strengths is that I have very good vison," explained Perry, who also has 19 catches for 207 yards with four touchdowns and completed one pass for 23 yards. "Playing in the secondary at 6-foot-3 and 235 pounds, I also have the ability to tackle very well from sideline to sideline."
His maturation on and off the playing field has impressed third-year Edgewood boss Scott Fischer.
"When I met Gunnar, he was a young man that didn't have much confidence in himself," recalled Fischer. "He was his worst critic and way too hard on himself. He needed affirmation in the worst way. He and his friends have committed themselves first to their faith and then to football. It has been my pleasure to witness the growth in confidence and maturity that has taken place in him over the last two years and I look forward to being a part of his journey for years to come."
The tough love Gunnar has gotten from his boss at times has blossomed into an understanding friendship.
"My relationship with Coach Fischer is something you don't see a lot in a player and a head coach," explained Perry. "We can have tough conversations, and there will be no hurt feelings. We spent two summers on the boat and went out on it together with more of my teammates. There were a lot of fun times spending days at Coach Fischer's house on Lake Lemon (in Unionville, Indiana). (Edgewood assistant) Coach (David) Whittemore and I have a good relationship and great trust in each other as well."
Since he was four years old, he has developed a love not only for the gridiron, but the baseball diamond as well.
"My youth league baseball coach, John D. Baker, always taught me never to give up, even when things are tough in life, and he shows that every day in his own life," recalled Perry, who also averages over 40 yards a punt. "That's why I'm continuing to work on getting stronger in the weight room, route running, blocking, and learning the game from the secondary position."
Although his time in Ellettsville (where Edgewood is located), is winding down, Fischer believes the future is bright for Gunnar.
"Gunnar has a lot of things going for him as an athlete," explained Fischer. "He can really run and catches the football very well. He is also doing well as a baseball player. His weight room numbers are solid (270-pounds bench and 375-pounds squat) and he has tremendous ability for being a next-level athlete.
"He has really started to study the game and is constantly calling out what the offense is going to do because of his film study. That example of preparation has really started to rub off on the younger players around him and is one of the reasons he has been voted captain all six games so far this season."
Off the playing field, Gunnar likes to keep things simple.
"I spend a lot of time hanging out with my friends," said Perry, who currently has a 3.1 grade-point average. I also volunteer on the parking team at my church and hope to work for dad one day."
With aspirations of playing football somewhere next fall, he knows there are still things he needs to do to make this a reality.
"I need to become more versatile by being able to contribute at different positions on the field," Perry said Perry, who plans to major in business management. "It's hard to believe this year's almost over, so we can't take anything for granted because it can be taken away fast."
Coming off their first loss of the season (12-0 to Beech Grove on September 26), Gunnar and his teammates will look to bounce back when Edgewood hosts Sullivan (3-3) on October 3.
