NATCHEZ — In what started as a journey fueled by curiosity, Brandon Green made his way across the United States this summer, chasing a track scholarship.

Green, a Natchez High School track star, took a trip to Michigan in June to participate in an American Athletic Union regional meet. He made the most of the opportunity, finishing first in both the triple jump and high jump.

Following his performance, he was granted an opportunity to participate in the AAU Olympic Games in Virginia in August.

“I jumped right on it because I figured it would be something new,” Green said. “I’m striving to get to that next level.”

An eventful summer for Green ended in aggravation, as Green tweaked his knee early in the event on the first day of competition.

“I strained it doing the triple jump,” Green said. “It was nothing serious, though. I figured I could’ve done better, but that’s just how it went.”

Despite the stumble, Green finished 12th among the 17- and 18-year-olds.

“We’re very proud of him,” Natchez head coach Larry Wesley said. “In fact, one of the coaches I know that was there called me after and said, ‘Congratulations, he’s halfway there.’ We’re going to get him all the way there this year. For him to do that well against national competition, I thought that was great.”

Natchez began cross-country practice Sunday. The Bulldogs will host their first track event on Sept. 10 at Natchez High School.