Remel Williams The “Heats” Best Kept Secret

Written by Coach Blane Williams

What she lacks in size, she makes up for in heart.  Her name is Remel Williams.  Remel is usually the smallest girl at the starting line, but usually first to the finish.  Remel trains harder than most.  At the end of practice, she is the one who will still do a few more intervals.  As her Coach, I have even turned off the field lights to signal to her that I was leaving and practice is over.  Motivated by her Dad, (also a Coach for the Heat Track Club) and a burning desire to win, Remel has been a top sprinter specializing in the 100 and 200 meter dash. 

Most sprinters have that blend of raw power and quickness. We have all seen them at the starting line, with these powerful compact bodies.  Most don’t notice Remel, unless you have seen her run before. 

 My favorite running memory regarding  Remel, was  at 2007 Club Nationals in Orlando.  I don’t remember what happened in the qualifier, but she qualified 8^th in the 200.  Most kids dislike running in lane 8, but Remel was on a mission.  In my usual position at the top of the curve, I could see that she got out.  When she past me, she had that look on her face. The look that said “I won’t be denied”.  There were girls in that race that were a full two feet taller than Remel, no matter.  This 11 year old Track Star was about to make a statement.  She rounded the curve in what looked like an even race for all eight girls.  But what kicks in at the end is heart.  If you have equally talented athletes, the one with the most heart, and the will to win, will prevail. 

I couldn’t see her finish.  The other girls blocked any view of Remel from my side of the track.  When the announcer called her name, the look of surprise on the faces around me was funny.  They had never considered anyone winning in lane eight, but they don’t know Remel Williams.

She has a collection of 12 National level medals, including indoor championships.  She is a honor student with straight A’s.  She had the most compelling entry at the science fair, dealing with the sprint dynamics of acceleration and speed endurance.  Topics she knows very well. 

She is a clarinet player in her band, member of the Science and Beta clubs, is a Girl Scout, and that all five of her academic classes are honor classes. She is also a published writer and has won several local, regional, state, and national academic awards, mostly for her writing or science. And that she will not only be running for us, but also for her school (her fastest time has already broken the school record .

Remel’s 2008 season, for all her success locally and in the Region, the Nationals was not all that she hoped it would be.  No matter.  That just strengthens her resolve.  As the daughter of a school principal Track Mom, and her Dad is a Physical Therapist/Track Coach, Remel is always in balance. 

She enters this season as a Sub Youth Girl, picking up another event.  For Remel, more is better, and is sure to make her statement on the track again this year.  Look for her.

Submitted by:  Coach Blane Williams (No relation) The Heat Track Club  www.theheattrackclub.org