2000 Greater Flint African American Sports Hall of Fame Inductee
Category: Multiple Sports
William grew up in Flint and attended Roosevelt Elementary, Lowell Jr. High and graduated from Flint Northern. William had an older brother participating in sports, he became interested in sports at an early age. While at Flint Northern, William’s locker partner was Herb Washington. However, due to school boundary changes, Herb was transferred to Flint Central, thereby, beginning one of the greatest rivalries in Flint’s track history. When these two met on the track, they either set a record or broke one. It was William winning the 220-yard dash and Herb winning the 100-yard dash, etc.
At Northern, William participated in the National Track Meet held in Ohio, and broke Jessie Owens record in the 220-yard dash with a time of 21.0 flat, he had an individual score of 19 3/4 points in a city track meet and was the first-Class A sprinter to break 10.0 in a city track meet.
William also excelled in football. He was All Valley and First Team All-State. He scored a total of 80 points for the season setting the Valley scoring record in football. William was considered one of the best athletes that came from Northern during his time.
