THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, October 11, 1995 TAG: 9510110585
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C3 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY BILL LEFFLER, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: NORFOLK LENGTH: Medium: 53 lines
Melvin Williams hopes the day comes when he gets a college scholarship for his ability on the basketball court.
And if it happens, it might be because he's the best cross-country runner in the Eastern District.
Cross-country runner?
Well, it just happens Norview boys basketball coach Darnell Miller also works with Lytonya Echols-Payton in coaching the school's cross-country teams.
Last year it was suggested to Williams, a junior varsity basketball star as a freshman, that he should run cross country to get in shape for basketball.
A little reluctantly, he joined the cross-country team.
Now suddenly the 5-foot-10 1/2, 150-pound sophomore has blossomed into one of the premier runners in the district and has a victory over the defending district champion under his belt.
Williams has been selected as The Virginian-Pilot male athlete of the week for his win in a dual meet with Maury, in which he handed the Commodores' Dallas Williams his first loss in district competition in two years. It helped the Pilots to a 27-30 victory over the defending district champion Commodores.
``I guess D.J. (Dallas Williams) just thought I couldn't beat him,'' said Williams, who had an 18:49 time over the 3.1-mile course.
In last year's district meet there were nine runners between the two Williams and Melvin ran a 19:09.
Undefeated this season, Melvin admits he is more determined and dedicated.
``I came out for cross country to get in shape for basketball,'' he said. ``I want my basketball to help me go to college. I really wasn't all that interested in running last year.''
``It was no surprise to us that Melvin beat Williams,'' said Echols-Payton. ``The difference now is that he is motivated.''
Added Miller: ``Melvin is a very good basketball player and I have no doubt that he will be on the varsity this year. He can play either guard.
``He's become a very good distance runner, too. The day may come when he has to choose between the two sports.''
Melvin says he was ``kinda surprised'' that he beat Williams.
``I just kept my distance behind him and when I started my sprint I knew I had him.''
He's looking forward to the rematch in the district meet.
``I plan on taking it all,'' he said. by CNB