A glow rose from Welch Stadium at Emporia Sate as students gathered last night at a candlelight vigil in memory of junior business marketing major Samuel Williams. Williams was found dead on Wednesday as a result of a motorcycle accident.

Over 150 students came to the candlelight vigil held for Williams last night. Jennifer Baldwin/The Bulletin.

His former track coach, John David Harris, said that the autopsy report showed no evidence of alcohol or drug use.

As an All-American track athlete with a personal best time of 20.99 seconds for 200 meters, Williams undoubtedly contributed to the team, but his teammates said his talent surpassed athletic ability.

“The guy was a world class athlete, I had no doubt in my mind that he would have been in the Olympics one day if he wanted to, he had that kind of talent,” said Kent Lonberger, junior communication major and member of the track team. “But he was also a great teammate. He led by example, and had very few words, but when he spoke, he meant it and you could always get a good laugh out of Sam.”

A starting block was set up on the track in memory of Williams. Jennifer Baldwin/The Bulletin.

Harris recalled an example of Sam’s sportsmanlike attitude.

“Last year after the outdoor championships, it was my last year coaching,” Harris said. “He gave me his All-American award, and he was just very grateful. I was just a provider of workouts and here he is showing me his gratitude.”

Williams was determined and confident in his athletic ability even before he had the support of the coaching staff, which he showed when he first approached Harris.

“The first time he walked into my office, he asked if he could run track,” Harris said. “When you hear somebody say they can run 10.3 seconds in the 100 meter, you kind of laugh it off, but the first time I saw him at practice, he took about three steps and I looked at the other coaches and just smiled.”

Jennifet Baldwin/ The Bulletin

At that same practice, Williams made a first impression on teammate Derwin Hall, sophomore pre-physical therapy major.

“I remember the first time I met Sam, I was actually intimidated,” Hall said. “But once you talk to him, or he cracks a smile, or you get to know his personality, you just see that he’s the sweetest guy.”

Lonberger said that he will remember Williams for his character.

Track coach David Harris stands next to the illuminated finish line during Thursday night's candlelight vigil. Jennifer Baldwin/The Bulletin.

“Sam had the biggest smile ever, he was a great friend and loyal,” Lonberger said. “He was there for you whenever you needed it. He was just a great guy.”

His personality was one that Lonberger said will not soon be forgotten.

“It’s amazing to me, all of the people that showed up,” Lonberger said. “He was only here two years, but he affected a lot of people and changed a lot of lives. As a team, we are going to do whatever we can to honor him in our lives and on the track.”

Brooke Kent, senior psychology major, said that Williams will remain an inspiration for the team.

“I think everybody on this team is going to miss him,” Kent said. “But I know our team is going to be stronger because of this.”

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