Michael Wright of Natchez catches some air as he participates in the long jump event of the State Games of Mississippi track and field competition Saturday at Meridian High School.

Meridian High School defensive line coach Demetrius Hill has been around football — and sports in general — long enough to know one simple truth.

“If you’re going to be an athlete, you have to be able to run,” Hill said.

That’s why he has all three of his children compete in track and field. Daniel, 12, Dane 11, and Grant, 8, were all on hand to take part in the State Games of Mississippi’s track and field competition Saturday morning at the MHS track. Daniel Hill and Grant Hill competed in the 100-meter, 200-meter and 400-meter dash, as well as the long jump, while Daniel Hill also competed in the 100-meter and 300-meter hurdles. Dane Hill, meanwhile, competed in the 200-meter and 400-meter dashes and the 800-meter run.

“If you get them moving, it’ll be better for them,” Demetrius Hill said. “It doesn’t matter what sport you’re in.”

Grant Hill said his dad coaches him, which isn’t always easy.

“It’s hard, because he’s a football coach,” Grant Hill said.

Still, he does enjoy track and field when he’s actually running the events.

“I like to run, because it’s fun,” Grant Hill said. 

Dane Hill explained that their father has all three of them run a mile, do a 400-meter sprint breakdown, high curves and 20 stadium steps as much as possible.

“He does it so we can run track,” Dane Hill explained.

Competition tends to break out among the three, with the oldest two insisting they win the most.

“I’m first, he’s second,” Daniel Hill said, pointing to his middle brother.

When asked if he wins the most though, Dane Hill insisted it was him.

“Nope,” Daniel Hill responded.

When he insisted again, Daniel Hill replied, “OK, so beat me today then.”

Said Dane Hill, “OK, I’m going to beat you.”

While some of the competitors were on the younger side, there were also a few veterans as well. Natchez native Michael Wright, 51, is competing in State Games for the 25th year, long enough to remember when the track and field meet took place at Hughes Field in Jackson. A Franklin County High School and Alcorn State alumnus, Wright has stayed in good physical condition so he can keep running even though his high school and college days are over.

“It keeps my dreams alive and helps me keep in shape,” Wright said. “It also gives me a chance to qualify for other State Games events.”

Wright competed in the long jump, as well as the 100-, 200- and 400-meter dashes, which were the same events in which he competed in college. His secret to staying in shape? Eating right.

“I’m not totally a vegetarian, but I don’t eat much meat,” Wright explained. “I grow my own vegetable garden, I don’t smoke and I don’t drink heavily. After college, I converted to distance running. I run one or two 5K events a year, but I really enjoy State Games.”