Outfielder embodies hard work

A true definition of a student-athlete is a hard worker who gives it all on the field and in the classroom. 

Only a select few of people are able to accomplish this feat, as it takes dedication and concentration to master both.

Comet sophomore outfielder Javan Williams represents the meaning of being a complete student-athlete.      

The 20-year old Fairfield native began playing sports at the age of 5, having played Little League baseball for the Fairfield Yankees and basketball for an Amateur Athletic Union traveling team for two years.

Williams stuck with baseball throughout high school, however, and played all four years at Rodriguez High School in Fairfield.

"I always was around the sport of baseball, so I supported Javan to have a love for the game," Williams' father Peter said.

After transferring from Skyline College last season as a freshman, Williams led the Comets with 20 RBIs and three home runs and finished second on the team with a .333 batting average.

Currently, Williams is one of CCC's leaders as co-captain and is second on the team in batting average with an improved .349 batting average and one home run.

"He's a valuable player for the team, displaying lots of talent and natural ability for the sport, as he runs good, swings the bat good and has a good arm," baseball coach Marvin Webb said. "He could be a real good D-1 player, and he has the ability to be a pro player in the (majors)."     

As co-captain, Javan tries to help his team by leading through example with his work ethic.

"He's a catalyst for this team," sophomore outfielder Ronnie Arnold said. "He's a hard worker, as he goes all out on the field and does everything to push the team forward."

Off the field, Williams was described by teammates as a laid back type of person who enjoys having fun.

"I like hanging out with friends and family, talking to girls, going to the movies and watching sports," he said.

Outside of sports, Williams has a musical background.

He played both the piano and keyboard, while also playing the drums at his church, taking after his father who produces music and plays the bass.

"I'm a big music person," Williams said. "If I wasn't playing baseball, I would definitely be involved with music."

As a student, Williams has always been able to handle the endeavors of keeping good grades while playing sports, as his parents raised him to have a hard working mentality not only on the field but also in the classroom.

"Education to us was more important than sports," Peter said. "We encouraged Javan to always study and accomplish things in life."

Freshman first baseman Ronald Morris said Williams does not just work hard on the field, but also in the classroom.

"He is what you call a student-athlete because he does well at both," Morris said.

Williams displayed his hard work in the classroom last semester, earning a 4.0 grade point average while taking classes such as mathematics and sociology.

"Javan is an excellent student. He participates and was always very engaging in the lectures," social sciences department Chairman J. Vern Cromartie said. "I think the key to student success is the ability to have the attitude and the aptitude of being a good student, and Javan displays both."

Williams said his parents always told him to maintain good grades.

"I knew that it costs to have fun, and you always have to work before you play," he said.

Contact Malcolm Lastra at mlastra.advocate@gmail.com