Clay Wright describes the relationship he has with his father Mike as inseparable.

“We’re pretty close,” Clay said. “Wherever he is, I’m at.”

Two weeks ago, the father-son duo could be seen at Meridian High School, where they competed in track and field events at the State Games of Mississippi.

Both participated in the 100-meter dash and long jump events, while Mike also participated in the, 200- and 400-meter dash races, and Clay also competed in the 100-meter race.

Mike had standout performance, finishing in first place in his age group in the long jump and 400 and second in the 100 and 200 races.

Not to be outdone, Clay finished second in the 100 and long jump events for his age group.

This year’s games marked the third straight year Clay has taken part. The 2016 games were Mike’s 15th year in which to compete.

A former Franklin County High School track star, Mike said the games paved an avenue to help recapture his former days as an athlete.

“(Competing) gives me the same feeling like I would have in high school,” Mike said. “The state games has given me the chance to continue to be a sprinter after all these years. I continue to motivate myself, not just for health, but also to be able to still sprint and be competitive in something. I’m always happy about that.”

Meanwhile, Clay, a rising sophomore, serves primarily on the football and baseball teams at Franklin County.

“He’s not a track buff like I was,” Mike said, laughing.

Despite being a novice to track, Clay said the competition provided a good opportunity to demonstrate his athleticism in a competitive environment.

“I just like playing sports,” Clay said.

Mike said he was nursing an ankle injury at the event and perhaps wasn’t able to compete at his best, but that will only serve as motivation down the line.

“I have goals, and I try to meet those goals,” Mike said. “I’m going to work harder to reach those goals next year.

“It’s a great opportunity to be around an atmosphere with young people, and hearing that gun off like old times, I enjoyed that,” he said. “It’s something I look forward to each year. I’ve always enjoyed state games, because it allows me to continue my aspirations of being a sprinter.”