Meridian track and field coach Regonal Walker, right, addresses those in attendance Wednesday afternoon at the school’s multipurpose building during the team’s ceremony acknowledging eight athletes who signed to compete in track and field at the next level.

Eight Meridian athletes will continue their track and field careers at various schools.

Wednesday afternoon, the school hosted a ceremony announcing the signings, with seven of the eight attending college at Mississippi institutions. Hurdles runner Herman Harris signed with Coahoma Community College, while distance runner Adam Williams stayed home by signing with Meridian Community College. Mid-distance runner Darius Sampson inked with Loyola University out of New Orleans, and Class 6A 800-meter champion Corredius Naylor signed with Alcorn State.

Mid-distance runner and pole vaulter Kai Horne, who signed with Millsaps in February, was on-hand at the ceremony, and sprinter/distance runner Andrew Gordon signed with Alcorn State. Charles Reed, a runner and jumper, will join Harris at Coahoma, and jumper Lou Nabors signed with Mississippi College.

“They worked really hard,” Meridian track coach Regonal Walker said. “When we first started, we really didn’t know what we would have coming back, because we signed nine last year, and they were tremendous athletes also. These kids rose to the occasion.”

Naylor said it was great being able to keep competing in track and field, and it was also great to see seven of his teammates have the opportunity to do the same.

“It’s a big accomplishment,” Naylor said. “It’s just a very special feeling for me and all of us to sign this many people.”

Walker said he was glad to see eight of his seniors sign this year after nine signed last year, and it was a testament to his athletes’ hard work that so many were given the opportunity.

“To see where they started from — a lot of them weren’t very good athletes when they came out,” Walker said. “They were uncoordinated, but they had a great spirit about them. To see them develop over time and earn their way, I appreciate their time and effort.”

Williams said he was looking forward to getting to MCC and competing.

“This is a very exciting moment for me,” Williams said. “It’s very shocking I got this far, and I’m pleased I’m getting to go to MCC. They’re a good distance program, and it’s very competitive.”

Naylor said Alcorn fit his personality perfectly.

“I like to stay to myself, and it’s out in the country, so I know I’ll have time to focus on my studies and focus in general,” Naylor said.

Walker said the success of his past two teams in earning scholarship offers was a good motivational tool for underclassmen.

“We really encourage them that track is not their identity, it’s more of an opportunity,” Walker said. “If you come in and put in the time, you’ll prosper, or something good will come out of the effort you invested.”

Though he’s ready for college, Williams said he’s going to miss learning under Walker’s tutelage.

“Coach Walker is like a father figure toward me,” Williams said. “He’s been teaching me and guiding me and is a very good role model.”