Tim Williams' Hard Work Pays Off

Author: Jerald McNair, Dean of Students at Parker Junior High, Flossmoor School District 161.

     As the new school year begins (2012-2013), I tend to reflect on last year’s accomplishments and think in great length about the students I worked with. Being a Dean of Students at Parker Junior High School, I often think not only about the students I have now, but those that I had the pleasure of working with in the past. After all, relationships last forever and being an educator is a life time service.

    As many of you all know, one of the most accomplished and talked about athletes in the history of Homewood Flossmoor High School’s rich tradition graduated this last school year. He is none other than Tim Williams. He played both football and basketball. His accomplishments on the field and on the court were historic, essentially playing varsity as soon as he stepped foot at Homewood Flossmoor High School, leading the school to records of 8-4 in football and 20-7 in basketball. In 2010-2011, the accomplished football program finished 10-3. Coach Craig Buzea and Coach Jim McLaughlin were, indeed, instrumental in Tim’s success. Their hard work, along with their staff, is to be commended.

     Tim is now a Division I basketball player at Samford University, underscoring and giving credence to the phrase, “hard work pays off.”  This is a value that is emphasized by Tim’s parents. Mr. and Mrs. Williams never let Tim forget that his first and second priorities are to be a good citizen and, thus, an asset to the community, and, indeed, a good student. How Tim conducts his life mirrors the standards that are so apparent in the William’s household.

     While we celebrate Tim’s athletic accomplishments, I marvel at what he did in the classroom and how he managed his behavior. Dating back to his younger days, he was always studious and discipline in how he conducted himself at school and in the community. I often hear teachers and coaches reference the type of person Tim William’s is, when they are talking to other students about what it means to be a student-athlete. Although the term is used loosely, the actual meaning is narrowly defined. Simply put, students are just that, students first and athletes second. Tim lives by that narrow interpretation and personifies what it truly means. When I think of Tim, I am reminded of the quote by J.G. Holland, an American novelist and poet. He stated, “Calmness is the cradle of power.” Those that know Tim certainly understand why that quote is so apropos. Tim’s ability to stay poised under pressure in the classroom, when facing tough exams, when competing in sports, and hanging out with his friends is why he is viewed as a leader who doesn’t fall prey to peer pressure. On the contrary, he elevates others to work hard and put forth their best effort.

     As students talk about Tim with admiration, and I see their eyes light up when he talks to them, particularly the younger ones, I often tell them that Tim is just as good a student as he is an athlete. That his studies did not suffer, even though he played two sports at the highly academically competitive HF. Unfortunately, too many youth have a hard time finding the balance. It’s, therefore, essential that parents and schools emphasize that in this fast paced economy, ever changing technological world, and highly competitive job market, students understand that no matter how athletically gifted they are, it’s not only vital but mandatory that they make academics their number one priority. The rest will, indeed, follow.

     Tim understood and continues to understand that. He has, therefore, earned a spot to play at the next level, and will go on to get a college degree. In talking to Bill Cunningham, a former star player at Thornridge High School in the 1970s, who also played Division I at UNLV, he stated that, “Mr. McNair, big time colleges are investing in students in the amount of $25,000 to $40,000 a year. They want serious student-athletes on their campus.” I respect his opinion greatly, as do many athletes. He not only played at a high level, he also personifies what the term student-athlete means. Bill graduated from UNLV and went on to work in corporate America, and is an accomplished business man. He works for Flossmoor School District 161, continuing to mentor and serve students.  Napoleon Hill, an American speaker and motivational writer, said it best, “Education comes from within; you get it by struggle and effort and thought,” something I’m sure Tim would like younger players to understand.

     We as a community are so proud of Tim Williams. The impact that he has on this community, and the youngsters that look up to him, speak volumes about the kind of character and integrity Tim possesses. So we say “Good work,” to Tim’s parents for teaching him the value of good citizenship and grace, and imparting the type of qualities that are timeless and highly revered.  Mr. and Mrs. Williams you are to be commended for imputing and exhibiting the values we hold in high regard in Homewood Flossmoor High School District 233, Flossmoor School District 161 and Homewood School District 153. If I may speak for the community we say, “Thank you Mr. and Mrs. Williams for a job well done.” Tim is, indeed, a role model. For the younger athletes remember this, Tim’s achievements started first in the classroom. Without that success, his athletic accomplishments would not have been as achievable.