D'Artist Williams making impact on oval

Posted on Wednesday, May 19, 2010

D'Artist Williams has been a pleasant surprise for the Madison track and field teams this season.

The sophomore, who spent his previous years moving from back and forth from Mississippi to Louisiana, has called Madison home for just five months. But he has already made a positive impression on the track team. What's more, he has qualified for state in two individual races.

Williams, who didn't compete in track and field last year, and the rest of the Bulldogs will take to Trojan Field on Thursday for the Region 3A meet starting at 1 p.m. It will be Madison's last competition before the state track meet in Lennox and Sioux Falls later this month.

Williams' goal is to win the state title as a team.

With the start of the season being indoors, Madison's coach wasn't able to see the sophomore's abilities.

"When we were able to practice outside, he was able to show his speed," said Coach Kevin DeCurtins.

Williams has qualified for the state meet in both the 100-meter dash and the 200-meter dash. He ran a 22.3-second 200-meter dash at the Danny Barker Relays on May 8 and an 11.4-second 100-meter dash at the Big 8 championshipson Friday.

Senior Mitch Manthey said that Williams doesn't look like a first-year high school sprinter.

"He just seems like a natural at it," Manthey said.

Williams has been a part of the state-qualifying 4x100- and 4x200-meter relay teams with David Langner, Manthey, Matt Tweet and Rush Milne.

"Running relays is a lot of fun, trying to get first with your friends," said Williams. "I always get nervous; you don't want to drop the baton or anything like that."

He competed in track in middle school, taking part in several events, but didn't get a great deal of coaching.

His lack of experience has caused a few setbacks, including a disqualification in the 100-meter dash at the Barker Relays.

Williams claimed the starter didn't fire the gun in the time that he was used to and he was anxious to get off to a fast start. He jumped the gun and was disqualified.

"I wanted to win so bad, I was trying to get a good start. It was a pretty good lesson," said Williams.

Despite the minor setbacks, Manthey, who was named the co-MVP of the Barker Relays, claims that Williams has been a great addition to the team.

"He came in and we weren't sure what he had until he started to progress. Once he got on the track, he all blew our minds," Manthey said. "He's impressive, to say the least."

Williams calls Manthey his rival. But they have competed together in relays and have done well. With Tweet and Langner, they ran the school's third fastest 4x200-meter relay last week with a time of 1:31.8.

"We have friendly competition all the time. We push each other," said Manthey.

Williams is fully aware of Madison's 100-meter dash record of 10.73 seconds set by Andrew Langner in 2007.

"I want to run 11 flat and get my name on the wall," said Williams, pointing to the MHS track and field record board in the high school gym.

In order to make the top-10 honor roll in Madison history, Williams will have to run under 11 seconds in the 100-meter dash.

"It could happen," DeCurtins said.

In the meantime, Williams plans to play football in the fall, another sport which he didn't compete in last year.

"I'm just having fun right now. It's great being a Bulldog and I want to win for my teammates and myself," said Williams.