Elijah Williams: Gateway To Colorado Mesa

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Elijah Williams Best Marks

100 - 10.80

200 - 21.60

400 - 48.82

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Q) Talk about the recruitment process - what other schools were you looking at, and how did you come to choosing the Colorado Mesa University?

The process was highly stressful, but also very exciting. Not many people are able to go through this process, and I'm grateful to be able to be one of the student-athletes going forward with this. The two schools that really had me weighing my options to further my education were Colorado Mesa University and Chadron State University. It was a hard choice but in the end I chose Mesa because I really love the outdoors. I like their academic programs and to know that Grand Junction has everything I want as a person and an athlete.

Q) What do you plan to study at Mesa?

I plan to study Biological Sciences or Exercise Science with minor in Political Science.

Q) You've had success in everything from the 100 up to the 400, what would you consider to be your main event, and what event do you see yourself focusing on at Mesa? 

I would say the 200m is my main event. I see myself running the 200m at Mesa, but after speaking with the coaches, I am probably going to be focusing more on the long sprints. I am looking forward to being able to see how I turn out as a collegiate athlete in those two events.

Q) You've come a long way from your first 400 in high school, where you ran 57.97. Talk about what you've done to make such a massive improvement (down to 48.82 as a junior) 

The best answer to that question is that I just began to take track more seriously as I progressed through high school. I wasn't that big of a track guy before high school, I didn't think I was that good. However, my coaches helped me fall in love with the sport and I'm a competitive person so I improved. When I love something I get better at it and I love track. Not sure on how to explain my improvement besides working hard to achieve it, and pulling from the energy of those who support me daily.

Q) Could you share any goals you have for the upcoming track season?

My goal for this year is to just improve and be the best that I can be. More than anything I want to see my team and teammates succeed and build the same kind of love for track that I have. It's not just about me, but about my teammates as well; that'll be my biggest goal to meet this year.

Q) What would your favorite high school moment be (so far)?

My favorite high school moment so far would definitely be the State Track Meet last year, I'll never never forget that! I didn't expect to have supporters from all around Colorado cheering me on. I also just really love the environment around track as a sport. I always feel love and camaraderie from my team and competitors alike, track meets always feel like a everyone is part of the same big family. That's why track will forever be the sport for me.