Kasen Williams also stars in running events, though running with a football seems to bring him the most notoriety.
Photo courtesy of Tony Lee
Williams had an excellent sophomore year with 56 catches for 939 yards and 13 touchdowns. His top game was a four-touchdown effort against Federal Way (Wash.). As a junior he really blossomed with 71 catches for 1,164 yards and 20 touchdowns. Three of his touchdowns came during a 45-21 victory over Ferris (Spokane, Wash.) in the state title game. He also scored twice during a nationally televised 28-25 loss to powerhouse Oaks Christian (Westlake Village, Calif.).
His senior year, of course, was even greater and national honors followed. Taylor summed up his superstar's ability to shine in the big games when he pointed out, "He had over 700 yards in four title games in four years and really put our team on his back. As a senior he had an 85-yard touchdown on a screen that was one of the most amazing plays I've ever seen. His career stats are unbelievable."
Kasen admits, "I'm always looking for the big play, especially when the game's on the line. A lot of guys are looking for me to make something happen and I just try to create.
"I got my competitive drive from my dad. We played against each other in basketball. There was a lot of competition. In football, he taught me a lot of moves, like how to juke."
Had he not only played basketball during the season, Williams could have been a high Division I college recruit in that sport, too, according to coach J.J. Davis. Davis calls him "a phenomenal athlete. He had multiple dunks this season where his head was above the rim."
In basketball – as well as football and track – the stories abound about Kasen's spectacular plays and clutch performances. And despite his incredible athletic ability, Williams is an even better person, according to all of his coaches.
Seymour noted, "I've been working with him for three years. He was the first person to introduce himself to me. He was kind of my guide the first three days."
Hillestad adds, "He's a better man than athlete. He welcomes everybody. He was voted most inspirational. He gives kids rides home. He helps tutor kids."
Taylor says, "The biggest thing is that he's just so calm and collected. When the lights come on, he just has that extra competitiveness. He's competitive, but so humble at the same time. Once I called him ‘Big Time' and he asked me not to do that. I can hardly wait to see him play next year."
Next fall Williams will take his football and track talents to the University of Washington, where he hopes to wear his father's uniform No. 2. He also considered LSU, Florida and California.
Williams, who has a 3.1 GPA, plans to major in either business or communications. He has his ultimate goals of making the 2016 Olympic team and playing professional football.
Playing two sports in college is going to be tough, but he affirms, "I'm up for the challenge."
Is Williams really the best athlete in the high school ranks?
Seymour put it this way: "I would love to see, if he isn't the winner, who the winner would be."
