NATCHEZ — Cathedral High School learned a valuable lesson at a cross country meet Thursday afternoon at Natchez High School — be calm and relaxed.

For Tommy Smith’s team, that was the goal of the day, as Cathedral was looking to keep its legs fresh for a cross country event in Madison Saturday where all cross country members will be present. Short staffed at Natchez High School Thursday, and unable to qualify for the overall varsity girls race with only three girls competing (each school must have at least five to qualify), the Green Wave were looking to gain experience and confidence.

Cathedral not only did both, but placed first individually in each race. Mallory Dickie, a ninth grader, finished in first with a 26:15 time in the varsity girls race before Jalen McCoy, a sophomore, finished first with a 20:12 time in the varsity boys event.

As Dickie gained momentum in the race and started to create separation, she switched gears, looking to finish strong.

“I was comfortable when I went out,” she said. “I was trying to hold out because we have an important meet Saturday, and so I started running hard to prevent someone from coming behind me and taking the lead.”

Brookhaven took second and third place, and Natchez High School’s Taliyah Harding finished fourth with a 27:04 time.

Brookhaven took first in varsity girls with 27 points, while Natchez placed second with 46 and Jefferson County took third with 103.

In the boys varsity race, Cathedral finished first with a 46, with Jefferson County trailing with a 59 and Brookhaven totaling 61. Natchez finished fourth with an 87 score.

McCoy said he too turned up the heat, getting another first place finish in what’s been an eventful summer/fall for the sophomore.

“I’ve had a wonderful year,” McCoy said. “We’re trying to win a state championship for Austin Gibson. He’s our senior, and we want to send him off with a nice goodbye present.”