NATCHEZ — When most sports fans hear the word Omaha, they think of the NCAA College World Series, which has been hosted by the Nebraska city for over 50 years.

However, when Natchez High rising junior track star Alicia Wimley hears the word, she thinks of a different championship — the United States Track and Field National Junior Olympics.

And after finishing second in four different events at the Southern Association Junior Olympic Track and Field meet earlier this week, Wimley is one step closer to reaching her goal of competing in the Junior Olympics.

Wimley admittedly didn’t run her best, but still finished second in the long jump, 100-meter dash, the 200-meter run and the 400-meter run, advancing to the regional meet in Hoover, Ala., in each event.

The top four finishers in each event advance to the regional meet, which consists of runners from Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama and Tennessee.

The top four finishers in each event at the regional meet advance to the National Junior Olympics in Omaha, Neb., July 22-27.

Wimley’s coach, Henry “Doc” Woods, said she didn’t do as well as she could have, but still was fast enough to get the job done.

“She didn’t do her best,” Woods said. “She got there a little late and didn’t have time to warm up good. She’s got a better time in her than (what the winning times were).”

Wimley said that while she was pleased with her performance, she left a little out there on the track.

“I think I did well but I thought I could have done better,” Wimley said. “I really thought I could win them.”

Woods said he expects Wimley to do very well in the regional meet and advance to Omaha.

“(The meet) was an eye opener,” Woods said. “She knows what she has to do now. Chances are she’ll move on to the National Junior Olympics.”

Wimley also thinks she has a good chance to make the nationals.

“It is something I am looking forward to,” Wimley said. “It’s going to be a challenge but I know I can do it.”