The Natchez High School cross-country teams have produced strong, consistent finishes this year in its three competitions.

The girls have recorded three third-place finishes this season, while the boys have produced a pair of third-places to go along with a four-place finish as well.

“Things have been going very well, I must admit,” Natchez coach Larry Wesley said.

The Bulldogs have approximately three meets left before region competition heats up, and the grizzled coach said he thinks his squad is primed for a strong region run.

“We hope to finish first or second in the region,” Wesley said. “Brookhaven (High School) will be our biggest challenge. They’ve been challenging us all year, but we should do very well.”

Wesley said there is one looming factor he is looking to improve on in those meets.
“I want to see our time drop,” he said.

Jadelia Ealey serves as the lone senior on the girls’ side, and said the added responsibility is a task she more than welcomes.
“Coach asks me to lead on the drills, and it’s kind of a big responsibility,” she said. “I like it.”

Ealey said she learned from former Lady Bulldog Kenya Davis, who served as the lone senior during the 2014-15 season.

“She did a very good job,” Ealey said. “I really look up to her; she led us very well, and I plan to do the same thing.”

On the boys’ side, Aaron Coleman said he is pleased with his unit’s early season success, and expects big things in the near future.

“We’re improving,” Coleman said. “We have some new people, plus our older runners are getting (accustomed) so we’re going to be better.”

Coleman is one of three seniors on the boys’ side, and he’s enjoying being one of the elder players on the roster.

“When I was younger, I was following other people’s rules,” he said. “Now that I’m a senior, I’m enforcing the rules — making sure they do everything right so we can be a better team.”

The Bulldogs are slated to host this Thursday against Jefferson County prior to the pivotal meet Oct. 17 at Cathedral.

“(The Cathedral) meet will be a good, challenging meet,” Wesley said. “(Cathedral coach Tommy Smith) always looks forward to running against us. He’s already teasing me, telling me to get the kids in shape.”