Athlete Spotlight: Monica Williams

With a defending state champion in the 500 meter dash in Genamarie McCant of James Robinson and returning state runner-up in the 300 meter dash in Shakeela Saunders of Great Bridge both back after sensational freshmen seasons, it appeared at the onset of this season that  there would be little room for anyone else to step up into the mix as a state title contender in those two events. Green Run junior Monica Williams (pictured right by Ryan Kelly) changed that mindset in early December when she became the first athlete in the country at that point of the season to break 40 seconds on a flat track in the 300. Considered as more of a 500 meter runner last year, Williams has made great strides this year in the shorter event of the 300 to have knocked off 2-3 seconds from where she was consistently at last year. Williams will be attempting the difficult 500 and 300 meter double on Saturday against defending champ McCant and 300 runner-up Saunders, but is certainly riding high after an unde...