By Justin Rushia
Jordan Williams has established himself as one of the best sprinters for the Plattsburgh State track and field team. Williams was a part of the record-breaking 4×100 meter team in 2024, where he ran the opening leg. Williams is also a consistent top 10 SUNYAC finalist in the 60 and 100 meter dash.
Hailing from the Bronx, New York, Williams began his running career at Cardinal Hayes High School. In his sophomore year, Williams was named MVP and team captain of the indoor track team. He was a New York State champion in the 4×400-meter relay and a 2021 national champion in the 4×200-meter relay.
Outside of track, Williams works with the campus housing department and has been a CA on campus for the past two years.
This conversation was conducted over text with Jordan Feb. 19.
Question: Do you prefer indoor or outdoor track?
Answer: I prefer the outdoor season to the indoor season because the energy and atmosphere of outdoors is unmatched. We work so hard in the winter to come outside in the spring to show everyone what we’re made of. I also prefer outdoors because that’s when my favorite event, the 100m dash — is run. Honestly, it’s much better to run outdoors in some fresh air compared to the bad air quality inside of indoor facilities.
Q: If you could train for any other track event that you don’t compete in, what would it be?
A: If I could train for any other event, I would work on long jump. I feel like if I had dedicated some time and practiced for that event when I first started track, I could’ve been pretty good.
Q: What’s your favorite track that you’ve ever run at?
A: My favorite track that I’ve ever run at is definitely The Armory. It was the first indoor track that I’ve ever competed at, but it definitely ranks as my number one. The atmosphere in The Armory is definitely unmatched. Having your teammates from the stands cheer you on as you bend that final turn from a 200, and there’s no better feeling than running at home.
Q: What’s a pre-race ritual that you can’t run without doing?
A: One of my pre-race rituals is jumping in the air as high as I can as the starter says, “Runners, on your mark.” I started doing that in high school; I feel like it gets the nerves going.
