Storms cut short Natchez Invitational

Published 12:00 am Saturday, March 11, 2000

A smaller field and shortened track meet still didn’t stop Natchez High’s track team from putting up some impressive numbers Friday.

Two Jackson schools were unable to make it because Jackson Murrah’s boys and girls were playing for the Class 5A state championship in Jackson Friday.

The threat of inclement weather kept other teams away, leaving only Natchez and Amite County to compete.

Email newsletter signup

All of the field events and three running events were completed before the rains hit and stopped the event.

&uot;I really wanted to get in the 15 girls events and 17 boys events in order to get ready for the meet in Hattiesburg next Saturday,&uot; said Natchez High track coach Henry &uot;Doc&uot; Woods.

Janice Davis won the 100-meter dash in a time of 11.66, one of the top times in the state.

Junior Roderick Connor showed his talents don’t stop on the football field as the Bulldog running back won the long jump with a leap of 21 feet, 10 inches.

&uot;It could be better, but I’ll keep working harder and it will be all right,&uot; Connor said.

Conner went 21 feet, 7 inches on his second jump.

&uot;I try to give it my best on my first jump,&uot; he said.

Conner led the Natchez football team with 601 yards rushing last fall.

&uot;Running track helps me work on my speed and endurance,&uot; he said.

Natchez freshman Lexi Washington also won the long jump with a leap of 16 feet, 5 inches.

&uot;I&160;know I can do better,&uot; Washington said. &uot;I have to elevate and pop my back more.&uot;

Natchez’s Jonda Ross and Chiquita McNeely both went 5 feet in the long jump.

Amite County standout Chris Collins did not compete because of an injury he suffered in the Trojans’ final basketball game of the year, but will return to the track next week.

&160;

&160;