Experience and enthusiasm have joined the Natchez Middle School coaching staff this year as Cleveland Watts and Larry Wesley join Donnie Newsome’s staff.

Wesley, 43, is in his first year as a coach after working with the Natchez Recreation Department and helping out at Alcorn State, where he got his Bachelor’s Degree and is working on his Masters.

Cleveland Watts joins Natchez after 33 years of coaching in the Ferriday school system.

Wesley played football and ran track at North Natchez from 1973-75. He also ran track at Jackson State.

&uot;I just wanted to give back what I learned,&uot; Wesley said. &uot;This gives me an opportunity to show kids what got me where I am. I wanted to share my experience.&uot;

Wesley will be coaching the seventh grade wide receivers and defensive backs.

&uot;It’s different now than it was in the glory days,&uot; he said. &uot;The kids don’t want to get in the dust. I want them to carry on the tradition we had.&uot;

Watts, 57, said he joined the Natchez Middle School to work with a larger group of youngsters.

&uot;I felt like&160;I was reaching my peak at Ferriday,&uot; Watts said. &uot;I gave Ferriday a strong 33 years. I was able to see a lot of kids materialize and grow athletically. I feel like I’ll have more options with Coach Newsome.&uot;

Willie Woods also assists with the Middle School.

The Natchez Middle School will be competing in the Southwest Junior High Athletic Conference for the first time this year.

The junior Bulldogs open their season Aug. 31 at home against Ferriday.