NATCHEZ &045; It’s not every day that a track star stops inches before the finish line to let his teammate and friend cross in front of him.

But that’s exactly what happened at the Area 7 regional Special Olympics track meet at Natchez High Friday.

&uot;I was waiting on Chris,&uot; said 17-year-old Chandler Warren, who also said he was worried he’d run over his mother who was standing across the finish line waving him across.

So Christopher Wilson, 16, took the first place ribbon and Warren went home with second. Both students were all smiles when recounting the event after the race though.

Warren still managed to earn a first place title in the softball throw one of about five events the students competed in throughout the day. Students from Jefferson, Wilkinson, Amite and Adams County participated in events ranging from the 50-, 100- and 400-meter runs, the long jump, a relay race and a volleyball game.

The first and second place winners qualified for the state Special Olympics in Biloxi on May 21-23. NHS teacher Tommi Jones said she had 22 slots available to travel to state.

Senior John Scott said he loved being outside for the events.

&uot;I did the softball throw and running,&uot; Scott said. &uot;It was fun and I’m happy. I feel blessed.&uot;

Rosekita Johnson, 15, also competed in the softball throw and the running competitions.

&uot;I ran real fast,&uot; she said. &uot;But now I’m a little tired.&uot;

Wilson who threw the softball in addition to his first place run agreed.

&uot;It was good but I’m tired and I want to go home,&uot; Wilson said.