Grant County hosted a Friday Night Lights track meet on April 12, where seniors from Williamstown and Grant County were honored for their contributions to the sport.
Before the meet began, Williamstown seniors Riley Morris, Layne Clark, Chloe Linder, and Gracey Crump were celebrated and received special gifts from their coaches.
Each senior brings a unique skill set and passion to the team, representing a vital part of Williamstown’s track and field program.
Riley Morris, known for his focus on running, shared his journey into track and field.
“I had nothing to do in the spring and Joel McCain told me I should run, so I did,” Morris said.
“I am happy I did it because it led me to the college that I want to go to and allowed me to get a running scholarship.”
Clark, who also excels in running, expressed mixed emotions about concluding his high school career.
“I’m sad that my high school career is coming to an end but excited to see what college has to offer,” Clark remarked optimistically. “I don’t regret joining track; everything happens for a reason.”
Chloe Linder, specializing in jumping events, discovered her love for track during her sophomore year.
“My sophomore year, Kailey Varner was a senior, and I attended one practice ‘just because’,” Linder recalled. “Kailey was doing high jump, and I joined her. She kind of became my senior that I loved and I did it because Kailey did it and I kind of just stuck with it.”
Linder found a strong sense of community within track and field, which motivated her to continue for three years.
“I’ve always been involved in athletics in Williamstown, but track is the one I truly enjoy and feel connected to,” she shared. “I may not be the best at track, but I love the people involved, and that’s what makes a small school special.”
Gracey Crump, focusing on throwing events, reflected on her growth through track.
“I’m leaving track with many memories; it’s the sport that has taught me the most,” Crump expressed.
“Volleyball and basketball came naturally to me, but track required practice and dedication, which made me better. I’m glad I started it.”
The departure of these seniors signifies the end of an era for Williamstown’s track team, but their impact and dedication will leave a lasting legacy.
The Friday Night Lights track meet served as a fitting tribute to these exceptional seniors, honoring their achievements and celebrating their invaluable contributions to Williamstown’s athletic community.
Before adverse weather conditions led to the cancellation of the meet, Williamstown showcased their talent in a couple of events.
Harper Mann, Cameron Reynolds, Bianca Dills, and Chloe Lanter demonstrated their strength by securing second place in the girls’ 4x800 with a time of 12:02.
On the boys’ side, Clark, Javonte Yangoua, William Osborne, and Aaron Reynolds delivered an outstanding performance, clinching first place in the boys’ 4x800 with an impressive time of 9:24.
Despite the cancellation, these achievements highlight the dedication and skill of Williamstown’s track team, setting a promising tone for future competitions as they continue to honor the legacy of their graduating seniors.
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