Menu
FEATURED ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: Elijah Williams, Greencastle
Elijah Williams is a senior at Greencastle High School who competes in football and track and field. He was the Western Indiana Conference champion last spring in the shot put, and was a key leader for the Tiger Cubs in football while earning Academic All-State honors.
Banner Graphic: What led to the football team’s big turnaround season this year?
Elijah Williams: “It was mainly led by the coaches, and the team coming together and deciding we didn’t want to go out 1-9 like the year before. It was one of those things that you always dream of, but you think in reality that you might get to as high as .500.”
BG: Is it hard to be busy in sports and still be such an outstanding student?
EW: “I’ve honestly thought it was easier to stay on task when I’m in season than when I’m not, because of the structure I have to have and the lack of free time I have. It gets pretty stressful, especially around finals time.”
BG: What are your career plans?
EW: “I am still deciding on a college, but I want to major in exercise science and go on to be a physical therapist. I’m deciding between DePauw, Hanover and Manchester. They all want me to throw the hammer in track.”
BG: The hammer isn’t a high school event, so how do they know who will be good at it?
EW: “It’s a really cool event. A lot of coaches feel I would excel at it. They look at your body type, and how I’m not one of those giant guys but I have a lot of athletic ability. Being able to get around the ring must make them think I would do a good job at it.”
BG: What are your goals for track?
EW: “In the indoor season, I have qualified for the state the past two seasons. I would love to make it to the state outdoors as well. The school record is 50-11.5 inches, and I’m at 47 feet. It’s going to be pretty hard, but doable.”
BG: What other things do you do besides school and sports?
EW: “I like to hang out with my friends and family, and I volunteer at my church. I have also competed in 4-H, in photography and showing ducks. I won honorable mention at the State Fair in photography. I like to watch movies, comedies are a must and I like watching dramas and old movies. My favorites are ‘The Other Guys’ or ‘The Green Mile’.”
BG: What is something you’ve never done before that you want to do someday?
EW: “I’d like to go scuba diving in the Great Barrier Reef off the coast of Australia.”
BG: Talk about your high school days.
EW: “It’s gone by in a blur. One of the classes that has helped me the most is AP U.S. History with Mr. [Bradley] Key. It was tough, but it will definitely prepare me for college. I’m going to miss it. Greencastle has definitely shaped who I am today.”