tool name

Thursday, May. 29, 2008

Defender's demeanor deceiving

QUIET WILLIAMS WON'T ADMIT IT, BUT SHE'S A FAVORITE AT STATE

In Bryan Station sophomore Nealy Williams, there isn't a hint of arrogance about her ability to run.

Only a sophomore, Williams will compete in her third consecutive state track-and-field meet starting today at Owsley B. Frazier Park on the University of Louisville campus. Williams has yet to walk away with a state title, but she's among the favorites in four events this year, even if she won't say so herself.

”Pride comes before the fall,“ Williams said. ”I just go out there and do my best.“

But even though Williams is quiet about her expectations at the state meet, her attitude gives her away, Bryan Station Coach Shonda James said.

”Nealy is not an arrogant person,“ James said. ”But if she loses, she doesn't like that. She cannot stand losing. She refuses to not win, but she's not a bold and arrogant person.

”But her demeanor says she thinks she can win it.“

Williams glided to the Class 3A, Region 5 title in the 100-meter hurdles, 300 hurdles, long jump and triple jump on May 20, but the top competition in the state waits this weekend.

Ballard's Lutisha Bowen will be Williams' biggest competitor. Bowen owns the fastest qualifying time statewide in the 100 hurdles and 300 hurdles, and she had the longest qualifying jump in the triple jump.

Butler's Chelsea Brown is the two-time defending state champion in the 300. She, Bowen and Ballard's Shelby Wagenseller were the only three hurdlers to run faster qualifying times than Williams.

Williams was also the fourth fastest in the 100 hurdles and the third longest triple jumper during the regional meets.

For Williams, who ran seemingly unchallenged in the 300 at the regional — she won by more than three seconds — having a competitor running with her on the track is going to be a newer experience.

”I guess it's going to be different to have someone right with me,“ Williams said. ”It should be a good race.“

Though Williams said the 300 hurdles is her favorite race, her best event might be one she tried to get out of at the beginning of the season: the long jump.

After long jumping last year, Williams planned to give it up to try high jumping or relay racing this season. But after short experiments, James sent Williams back to the pit to start jumping again.

”I knew she could do well in the long jump ... .“ James said. ”She's always done great. She didn't put up much of a fuss.“

Williams enters the state meet as the top qualifier in the long jump after a jump of 17 feet, 4.5 inches in the regional meet. But she still wouldn't call herself the favorite.

”I don't know if I'm the favorite, per se,“ she said. ”My jump wasn't that much farther than the next (qualifier). It's going to be interesting and fun.“

And though Williams said she doesn't know what she expects at the meet, James has high hopes.

”She could win,“ James said. ”My expectations are that she's going to get out and do a great job, and I foresee her winning. I expect her to fare well in all (four) events.“