NATCHEZ — Larry Wesley doesn’t get too many athletes that begin with track in seventh grade anymore.

That’s why the Natchez High School track coach knows to cherish the ones he has — especially when it comes to senior Philicia Wimley.

Wimley, who recently signed a track scholarship to Alcorn State University, doesn’t just wow when she’s performing in the high jump, triple jump or 4X400-meter relay. Wesley said she’s also been one of his top students in the classroom.

“She’s dedicated to her studies,” Wesley said. “I teach Biology 2, and last year I had her as my student, and she was on honor roll. I’ll put my reputation on the line and say, you can go on campus and ask any teacher that’s had her, and they’ll tell you that she’s been great.”

Wimley, who has a 3.4 GPA and scored a 17 on the ACT, said she likes to stay on the honor roll because it gives her better privileges.

“People look at you and say, ‘She’s smart; she’s always in her books,’” Wimley said.

But Wimley also said she’s not worried about people thinking she’s a nerd.

“I still have friends that aren’t nerdy,” she said.

Wimley said English was her favorite subject, while science was her least favorite. While Wimley finds concepts in English class easier to memorize, she said science requires a lot more studying.

“It’s not just stuff you can know right off the top of your head,” Wimley said.

When it comes to having Wesley as her Biology 2 teacher, Wimley said he doesn’t let any of his students slack off.

“He pushes his students hard to do a lot of assignments,” Wimley said. “He doesn’t give a lot of work, but when he does, it’s kind of hard.”

Those qualities can also been seen in Wesley as he’s coaching his track athletes.

“He’s a really good coach,” Wimley said. “He actually coaches — as in, he fuses at us and motivates us. If he didn’t fuss at me, I probably wouldn’t do well.”

Even if he’s fussing at Wimley sometimes, Wesley said he’s never had to fuss at Wimley for behavioral issues.

“I never fuss at her unless I’m trying to motivate her and get her to the next level,” Wesley said.

Wimley is primarily a jumper, and she said she initially tried the long jump in ninth grade before settling in with the triple jump. Most of her practicing revolves around running, however.

“If you don’t practice running, you can’t do this,” she said. “I don’t practice the triple jump a lot, but I do run.”

Wimley said running the 4X400-meter relay is the most intense part of the track meet, and she knows she has to be ready before she gets the baton so she won’t let her team down.

“It’s not a jog, it’s a sprint,” Wimley said.

Wimley also participated in cross country for NHS during her fall semesters, which she said helped build her stamina and keep her in shape. When she gets to ASU, however, she’ll be exclusive to track.

“It’s a privilege,” Wimley said of being able to compete in track at the next level. “Some people aren’t able to make it that far.”