NATCHEZ &045; As if Natchez High track coach Larry Wesley needed it, he got another honor this week.

Wesley, whose girls’ teams have won four consecutive state titles, was named the Mississippi Association of Coaches girls’ track Coach of the Year.

&uot;A lot of people coach all their life and never get this,&uot; Wesley said. &uot;A lot of coaches never win a state championship either, and I’ve won four. It hasn’t really settled in for me, but maybe by the time track is finished it will.&uot;

In addition to the state titles his girls’ team has won, the boys’ team has finished as runner-up at state each of the last four years.

&uot;The last five years we’ve won or finished second,&uot; Wesley said. &uot;We’re doing very well. I don’t think we’ll do less or better than that this year.&uot;

Wesley stressed repeatedly that the award is in large part a reflection of the work his kids have done and the support the team has received from the school and the community.

&uot;It’s an honor for the kids too. It’s an honor to be recognized and for Natchez that I can win award like that,&uot; Wesley said. &uot;Truly, it’s a big honor to receive such an award. I look forward to many, many more. I want to thank some of the athletes with me now and those who have helped me get there. It’s a team effort, the children, the school and the community.&uot;

Natchez High Athletics Director Robert Cade also said Wesley has done a good job keeping the winning ways alive for a track team that has been successful for many years.

&uot;One of the things about this school is when it comes to track we have a tradition, even back to when we had both high schools,&uot; Cade said. &uot;When they merged together, the kids had a burning desire not just to represent themselves well but to represent Natchez and their parents. It’s a pleasant thing to help keep us on the map in terms of athletics while we’re trying to get back to the glory days in other sports.&uot;

Cade said Wesley is a good coach and has done good things at Natchez.

&uot;He does an outstanding job with talent he has,&uot; Cade said. &uot;He works hard and deals with the kids so that they can be all that they can be.&uot;

But Wesley said he isn’t the only coach out there on the track for the Bulldogs.

&uot;The children know they have to coach also and help each other out,&uot; Wesley said. &uot;It’s not just me being the coach.&uot;

Candace Frye, a top hurdler for the Lady Bulldogs and a part of previous state championship teams, said Wesley’s strongest point is his ability to motivate.

&uot;He’s a good coach. He really motivates me to work harder out here,&uot; Frye said. &uot;He fusses at us and makes we work. I know I have to work harder.&uot;

This year expectations are again high for the Bulldogs. After a disappointing showing at the district meet last week, the girls’ and boys’ team are looking for big things

Wesley said receiving the award from his fellow coaches was especially gratifying.

&uot;When your peers recognize you, it’s always an honor,&uot; Wesley said. &uot;They respect what you’re trying to do.&uot;