University of Texas at San Antonio junior sprinter Teddy Williams wrapped up a memorable indoor season minus a coveted medal, but with All-American status nonetheless.
Williams couldn't carry over the momentum from the day before, settling for eighth place in the men's 60-meter dash finals at the NCAA Indoor Track and Field championships on Saturday.
The Tyler native ran the straightaway in 6.70 seconds after stumbling coming out the blocks. By completing his final race, he added another All-American honor to one he gained during the outdoor season as a sophomore.
Clemson's Jacoby Ford finished first in 6.52 to take the gold, followed by LSU's Trindon Holliday (6.55) and Florida's Terrell Wilks (6.61).
"The first three steps were great, but for the first time in my career, I spiked myself,"
Williams said after the race. "That completely threw my balance off and almost knocked me out of my lane."
In Friday's preliminaries, Williams established a new Southland Conference record in the 60s at 6.59, the third-best time of the day. He now sets his sights on building off last season's momentum when he placed seventh at the outdoor national championships.
Williams' 6-3 frame figures to help more outdoors and over a longer distance. UTSA begins outdoor competition this weekend.
"It was a disappointing end to the season, but when you look at the positives, I was one of only eight guys to make it this far and I set a Southland Conference record in the prelims,"
said Williams, who was named the SLC's Indoor Track and Field Athlete of the Year. "I had a chance to do something great today, but mistakes happen and I just have to bounce back during the outdoor season."
