NHS trackster Wimley working to get better

By Patrick Ochs (Contact) | The Natchez Democrat

Published Wednesday, June 11, 2008

Photo by Steve VanGunda

Natchez High School junior Alicia Wimley recently placed in four events in the Govenor’s Meet at LSU. Her track coaches at Natchez High believe WImley will win a state championship next year.

NATCHEZ — There’s never been any doubt that soft-spoken Alicia Wimley could run, and this past weekend she proved it.

The Natchez High rising junior placed in four events at the Govenor’s Meet at LSU in the intermediate age group.

Wimley placed fourth in the 100-meters (12.61), second in the 200-meters (25.61), first in the 400-meters and set a new record in the triple jump with a distance of 35’10”, breaking the previous record of 35’6”.

Doc Woods, who is coaching her this summer, said part of what makes her successful is she’s a quick learner.

“She’s a learner,” Woods said. “As soon as she learned what she was doing wrong, she corrected it.”

Woods said he’s even seen a lot of progress from Wimley over the past year.

“Last year she didn’t come out of the block quick enough in order to run with them, she didn’t go,” Woods said. “And then they come out of the curve and she’s trying to catch them and they’re gone.

“But now she’s running with them, moving to the top of the curves, and in the straight-aways she can burn.”

Despite racking up accolades and medals over the years, Natchez High track coach Larry Wesley said he expects even greater things from her.

“Only thing she hasn’t done is win a state crown, but I expect her to do it this year,” Wesley said. “She’s going to be a junior, so the good times are going to come.

“I’ve seen her progress earlier than most girls. Most girls progress between 11th and 12th grade.”

Woods agreed with Wesley’s high expectations.

“It is my thinking, based upon the way we’ve been working with her, that she will become an elite athlete in high school,” Woods said.

Just how elite can Wimley be? Only time will tell.