A graduating senior from West Hartford’s Northwest Catholic High School, and a 2016 grad who took a gap year, will compete in track and field at the Division I collegiate level.

Submitted by Maureen Scudder, Northwest Catholic High School

Northwest Catholic High School in West Hartford recently held two college commitment signings for track and field stars, Jayson Williams and O’Neil Brown.

Williams, a senior from Bloomfield, has played on both the school’s basketball team and track & field team for four years. He excels at many sports, but it’s his jumping that has earned him a Division I scholarship to Central Connecticut State University. He will join the Blue Devils this fall.

Williams has been All-CCC in the high jump for every season of his high school career, including CCC Central Champion in the high jump in 2016. He has been a point scorer in the event at the last two state championship meets. He also contributed 15 points across the high jump (third), long jump (fourth), and triple jump (seventh) for the Class M State Champion boys’ track and field team last year. Lastly, Williams is the school record holder in the long jump with a jump of 21’ 8.5”, surpassing the record set in 1993.

Patrick Williamson ’99, technology coordinator at the school as well as both the cross country and track & field coach, commended Williams at the signing ceremony.

Williams said, “Jayson has been an important contributor to the track and field team since the first day of his freshman season. Starting with the high jump and then adding long and triple jump, Jayson has worked hard over the years to excel in all three events, which is not an easy task because they often take place simultaneously at meets.” Williams continued, “It’s been a pleasure to coach Jayson and watch him mature as a student and athlete, and I’m looking forward to watching his achievements at CCSU. I’m so proud that Jayson will represent Northwest Catholic and the track & field program as he pursues his goals at the next level.”

Northwest Catholic also recently recognized O’Neil Brown, who had taken a gap year before committing to track & field at the University of Connecticut for 2017-18.

Northwest Catholic’s O’Neil Brown of Hartford poses for a photo with family members who came to support him while he signed to compete for the track & field team at the University of Connecticut. Submitted photo

Like Williams’, Brown family and friends gathered for his commitment signing, and school officials spoke on his behalf. Athletic Director Matthew Martorelli ’03 welcomed Brown back to campus for the special event and spoke to the audience about Brown’s success at Northwest Catholic as a student-athlete. Martorelli ’03 concluded with, “O’Neil we wish you all the best as you head to UCONN to start your career as a Husky.”

Patrick Williamson ’99 also had the honor of congratulating Brown in front of the crowd. Williams said, “O’Neil was a fantastic addition to our team last year. His enthusiasm for the sport and his desire to excel in his events helped lead the boys’ team to a state title, the 2016 Class M. I’m thrilled he’s going to continue track & field and get a great education at UCONN.”

At the 2016 Class M Championship Meet, Brown placed second in the high jump. He was also a member of second place 4×400 relay. Finally, he was the CCC Central Division Triple Jump Champion, member of the All CCC Team, and was All State.

To learn more about Northwest Catholic and its outstanding athletics program, visit northwestcatholic.org.