NATCHEZ — When Sierra Bates and Alicia Wimley began their Natchez High track careers, coach Larry Wesley told them if they stuck with it, there would be a reward at the end of the line.

And that reward came Monday, when the two track standouts signed scholarships to run track at Mississippi Valley State University.

“Both of them started off with me in the seventh grade and made it all the way to 12th,” Wesley said. “I told them there would be a rainbow at the end. Each and every person who has stayed with me six years had gotten a scholarship of some sort.”

Bates’ specialty is the 200 and 400-meter dashes while Wimley is proficient in the 100, 200 and 400-meter dash as well as the triple jump.

Bates said Monday was exciting for her, as she knew she was realizing her dream.

“I’m ready to get there and get started with my higher education,” Bates said. “But I’ll always remember the hard work and dedication at Natchez.”

Both Wimley and Bates were impressed with the coaching staff at Mississippi Valley, and attributed that as the main reason for choosing the school.

“The coaches were really nice,” Wimley said. “I liked the attitude they had toward things.”

Wesley said Bates and Wimley are just carrying on the proud Natchez High track tradition with their advancement to a college track program.

“They are keeping that tradition going,” Wesley said. “They have carried the track and field program for the past six years. I can’t describe what it means for me to have worked with them. It is a proud day for me, the city of Natchez and Natchez High School.”