NATCHEZ — Track star Alicia Wimley will next set her feet on the track in Greensboro, N.C., in her race to become a U.S. Track and Field Champion.

Wimley, a student at Natchez High, placed second in the 400-meter at the Regional Championship in Nashville, Tenn., with times of 58.6 and 57.4, and earned herself a chance to compete July 29 through Aug. 2 at Nationals.

“(Alicia) has now proved that she is one of the most elite track athletes in four states, Mississippi, Tennessee, Alabama and Louisiana,” Natchez Track and Field Club Coach Henry “Doc” Woods said. “Based off of her improving times, I feel like she is going to do well (in the nationals).”

Finishing high enough in the heats to qualify for the finals will be the tough part, Woods said.

“Once she realizes she is in the big race, she can let go, run and adjust,” he said. “She will put forth great effort to win.”

Soft-spoken Wimley said she knows that if she doesn’t put forth the effort to win, she will lag behind in the race. She knows that the challenge will be tougher than it was in Tennessee, but Wimley said she is ready.

“The faster they run, the faster I’m going to run,” she said.

Wimley will be a senior next year and said she will continue running. After graduation, Wimley hopes to get a track scholarship to attend a university.

“I’ve already had colleges recruiting me, so I know I’m going to get a scholarship,” she said.

Woods is hoping to collect donations from the community to help fund Wimley’s trip.

“We have to help her financially for her light to shine,” he said.

To make a donation, contact Coach Henry “Doc” Woods at 601-660-1139.