For Darius Edwards three things apply to both running and life in general.

&uot;God always comes first, practice makes perfect and never give up,&uot; Edwards said.

Edwards, a Natchez High sophomore, knows where his priorities lie, and he has no trouble keeping himself in line.

Edwards, 15, is a member of the Natchez High track team, and participates in the AAU Summer Track Program when not in school.

&uot;That’s the only way to get better is to practice, and compete against other runners,&uot; he said.

Edwards was named Outstanding Performer and First year Letterman at the end of his freshman year for the Bulldogs.

Edwards, who began running track at the age of 13, says that there are a lot of advantages to running track during the summer.

&uot;This is my second year in AAU (independent sports league), and it just helps to run against some people that you don’t normally run against in school.

&uot;It’s good to test yourself against more and better competition, so you can see where your strengths are, and where you need to improve,&uot;&160;he said.

Edwards also said running track it gives him something to do, &uot;rather than sit around all summer doing nothing.&uot;

Edwards said while there is a significant amount of travel involved in the AAU program, &uot;it’s just such a good learning experience that the travel doesn’t really bother (me).&uot;

It was a teammate of Edwards’ that he claims got him interested in running track.

&uot;Natalie (Noble) asked me one day if I was doing anything, and I told her that I&160;wasn’t, and so she asked me to come out.

&uot;I&160;did, and I&160;really didn’t like it at first, but I kept at it, and now it’s really fun,&uot;&160;he said.

Edwards, who runs the 400-meter and 110-meter hurdles and the 400-meter dash, has been to two track meets so far this summer and has won three first place medals, one second place medal and two fourth place finishes.

&uot;I’ve been getting better over the past few races, and that’s what I’m out here to do – get better.&uot;

Edwards said that he has received support from numerous people, namely his parents, teammates, and both AAU and Natchez High coach Doc Woods.

&uot;Coach Woods is always there to encourage you when you need it, congratulate you when you need it, and kick you into gear when you need it,&uot;&160;Edwards said.

Edwards said that he has one memory that sticks out in his mind more than any other.

&uot;I think making it to the state track meet last year has been the highlight so far,&uot; he said.

Edwards said that he has two goals that he is always striving towards.

&uot;I am constantly trying to get better and work harder at whatever I do,&uot;&160;he said.

Another goal that Edwards has set in his sights was that of making it to the National Track Meet in Buffalo.

&uot;Coach Woods is always encouraging us to make it to nationals, and I would also just like to do it for myself,&uot;&160;he said.

Edwards said that no matter what he does, it has to involve his top three priorities.

&uot;I feel like if I’m going to do something, God has got to be number one, and the other two are there too, but God is number one.&uot;