NATCHEZ — Hinds Community College track and field star Robert Wells will continue his college career at the University of Southern Mississippi next season.

The former Jefferson County High School standout announced his decision Tuesday, but he wants to wait until after he participates in the National Junior College Athletic Association Outdoor nationals this weekend.

“I wanted to focus on the meet, and that’s why I held off on my official signing,” Wells said. “But I had my mind set on Southern Miss.”

Alcorn State University, Jackson State University, Texas State University, Mississippi State University and Clemson University all showed interest in Wells, but Southern Miss led the entire way because of sprint coach Debbi Ferguson-McKenzie, who is best known by track fans as the anchor of the Bahamas’ 2000 Olympic gold medal 400-meter relay team.

“The coach just motivated me,” Wells said. “She wants me to break all of the records at Southern Miss.”

Wells showed some of his natural ability at Southern Miss’ Black & Gold Invitational in May. Wells had a first-place finish in the Men’s 200-meter dash with a time of 21.29 seconds, and he came in third place in the men’s 100-meter dash with a 10.65. Wells helped his team win first as the anchor in the men’s 4×100 meter relay.

Hinds Community College men’s track coach Reginald Dillon said Wells came into his own at Hinds after sitting out a season to play football at Copiah Lincoln Community College.

“When he goes, we go,” Dillon said. “He’s the motor, and he always does what’s asked of him. He’s grown up a lot since he’s been here.”

Only time will tell if Wells makes it at the next level or not, but as far as his determination goes, he’s willing to put in what he expects to get out. That’s what Wells did at Hinds, and because of his effort, he believes he’s overcome the stigma that small school athletes sometimes have to overcome.

“I always told people that I didn’t care that I went to a small school,” Wells said. “Going to Hinds was the best decision I ever made. It’s not about the size of the school. It’s about what you do when you get there.”

Wells said he hopes to follow in the footsteps of Brett Favre, excelling at Southern Miss and launching his professional career.

“My No. 1 goal is to help my team win in any way possible,” Wells said. “My second goal is to win the nationals and become an All-American sprinter. I’m not going to stop until I do.”