Dateline: May 16, 2002

Williams grabs gold at state track meet 

By Sandy Anderberg, Clarendon Enterprise

Freshman sprinter Angel Williams came home from the State Track meet in Austin with exactly what she wanted – a state championship in the 400-meter dash. 

Williams’ time of 58.32 was a little less than two and a half seconds off her regional record of 55.77 but fast enough for first place against the field.  Williams also brought home a bronze in the 100-meter hurdles with a time of 14.93.

Running fifth at the halfway point of the 400-meter dash, Williams knew she had to kick it in high gear to run through the string first.  And she did just that.  Fighting through the wind for most of the race, she finally made the last turn and put the wind behind her.  She sailed past the leaders and took the win.

Williams took the bronze medal in the 100-meter hurdles behind New Diana and Tom Bean High Schools.  Her time of 14.93 was 40 one-hundredths off the winning time.

Also making an appearance at the state meet was sophomore Equilla Weatherton.  She participated in the 100-meter dash and claimed 7th place in the event with a time of 12.43.  That time was 26 one-hundredths faster than her Regional time just two weeks earlier.

Things didn’t go as well for former bronze medallist James Williams.  He fell short in his quest to repeat for a medal at this year’s state meet and finished in 8th place.

Williams didn’t throw as well as he’s capable of, and the old saying ‘if it weren’t for bad luck…’ definitely fit as Williams took his turn in the shot put.  His first two attempts in the preliminaries ended disastrous for him, but he qualified for the finals with his last throw.

The finals didn’t go any differently for the junior shot putter.  His final throw of 49’9 ¾” was his only qualifying throw and was well off his farthest throw this year of 55’7”.  Williams knew that if he would throw close to his best in the finals, that the gold would be his.  But it wasn’t meant to be for the well-deserving young man.  He finished in 8th place, five feet short of a gold medal.

“These three athletes competed well and represented the community of Clarendon with class and dignity,” Head Coach Joe Gifford said. “I believe that this meet is a slight glimpse of what is yet to come from these athletes.” 

Gifford feels CHS has the athletes to compete for a State Title next year at the 1A level. 

“Shamrock won the Class 1A title this year, and I know we have the athletes to compete for that title.  Clarendon should be proud of these three athletes who competed not only for themselves, but also for their parents, friends, and community.”