NATCHEZ — When Gregory Carter was a track star at Natchez High School, it was difficult to find anyone faster.

In fact, the 1999 graduate went undefeated in the 100- and 200-meter dashes in his junior and senior years. He won approximately 50 awards as a track athlete.

Carter later went on to run track at Alcorn State University.

“(I learned) track is a man’s sport, (because) it’s just you out there,” he said. “It makes you strong.”

After graduating from Alcorn in 2005, Carter moved to Dallas, Texas, where he worked for City Rehab and Construction rehabilitating houses.

He was also a coach for the Wolverine Running Club for children.

It was during his involvement with the running club that he discovered he enjoyed working with children.

“They like to learn,” he said. “Adults think they know everything. You can’t tell them anything. Children have their minds are open.”

After 12 years in Dallas, Carter moved back to Natchez four months ago.

At his mother’s house in Natchez, he is surrounded by reminders of his track days — boxes of trophies, medals and other awards.

“This isn’t even all of it,” he said, holding up one of the awards.

Now back in his hometown, Carter said he wants to get involved with the community’s youth.

He has a 2-year-old son Tre-Veion, and thinks Natchez is the perfect place to raise him.

“I’m just happy to be here and want to give back to the community I’m from,” Carter said.

Carter hopes to start a running club for children next summer.

“They need it here because they have everything else but track during the summer,” he said. “It could give them something to do. They could find that they love it, and maybe it could help them get a scholarship down the line.”