Natchez High School captured two separate MHSAA Class 5A long jump state titles last season, but after the Bulldogs lost both champions to graduation, NHS track coach Larry Wesley was forced to do a little bit of reshuffling.

What Wesley ended with this year was Tyler Harris and Madison Fleming, two sprinters who had never jumped before.

“The last three years we have won the South State (meet), and I’ve always had jumpers,” Wesley said.

The Bulldogs weren’t able to keep their win-streak alive, placing seventh overall in boys and eighth in girls this past Saturday at Gulfport High School. But that hasn’t stopped Wesley from believing his jumpers will continue to grow.

Harris’ first jump was just a few weeks ago, and his second jump — a 20.5-foot leap — was good for a second place finish at this year’s District 6-5A meet.

“My uncle and dad jumped in high school, and I usually stick to sprints but I just tried it and I liked it,” Harris said. “I didn’t really think; I just jumped.”

The senior relay runner said while he might have found jumping a little late in the game, the event has already become his favorite.

“I think there is less pressure with jumping,” Harris said. “It feels good with the wind in your face. As soon as you come down you know you can beat other players because you know they can’t jump as far.”

Although Harris did not qualify for the long jump past regionals, he will be running the first leg of the 4×400 meter relay at this Friday’s Class 5A State Championship meet at Pearl High School.

Harris alongside Mo Lyles, Darrell Johnson and Elijah Boyd placed third at South State with a time of 3:41.88 to secure their spot.

For Fleming, she will most likely carry the weight next year as the eighth-grader is already jumping within the 13-foot range.

“I love jumping,” she said. “I’m trying to be the best I can be right now since I’m not even in high school. I’ve got a lot of time.”

“For her case, it is special for her to be doing what she’s doing,” Welsey said of the rising athlete. “I’ve never had a young one like that. Being as young as she is, I know there’s a future for her.”

Natchez qualified for two additional events at this Friday’s state competition.

Jadelia Ealey will compete in the 400 meter run, and Kavoris Harris will be representing the Bulldogs in the 300 meter hurdles.

The meet is set to begin at 10 a.m.