Paul Wilson Jr. takes over as the VHS Head Track Coach

VICKSBURG, Miss.(VDN) — Paul Wilson Jr. has been named the new Vicksburg High School head track coach, officially taking over the position in December after serving as interim head coach midway through last season.

“It feels good, especially being from Vicksburg and being coached by one of the best, Shaun Archer Sr., who showed me a lot along the way,” Wilson said. “It’s an honor to follow in his footsteps.”

Last season, the Gators were competitive in district and North State meets, with a few athletes advancing to the state meet, including Jayden Woods and Shaun Archer Jr.

The 2026 season will mark Wilson’s first full year leading the program without the interim title. He will be joined by assistant coaches Brent King, Joe Johnson Jr. and Scooter Wells. King will work with long-distance runners, Wells will coach shot put and discus, and Wilson will oversee sprinters, hurdlers, long jumpers and triple jumpers. Johnson, the junior high head coach, will also assist with the program.

“Our goal is to get every athlete improving in their event,” Wilson said. “Overall, we want a productive season and to compete for district, North State and state championships.”

Wilson is a true Gator within the VHS athletic program, also serving as the varsity football team’s defensive backs coach. Under his leadership, the secondary allowed just 60 receiving yards per game with a 39.5% completion rate, while recording 12 total turnovers and an 80.6% tackle success rate. He also coached a Region 2-5A Defensive Back of the Year, a Magnolia All-Star selection and four All-District honorees this past season.

Wilson began his coaching career in 2021 as defensive coordinator at Vicksburg Junior High School before being promoted to the high school staff in 2023, helping the Gators reach the first round of the playoffs. His defensive backs recorded 13 interceptions in his first season.

A 2016 graduate of Vicksburg High School, Wilson starred at defensive back before playing college football at Copiah-Lincoln Community College, the University of Northern Colorado and the University of West Alabama.