Being a grinder is something that Williams takes pride in.

As a junior, Williams’ season was highlighted with new scoring marks and a seemingly easy path to the state finals. As a senior, his road back to Legends wasn’t exactly a smooth one, but to Williams it was something to savor even more than the trip his junior year.

“The harder road is more satisfying,” said Williams.

Williams will be taking his game to Muncie to play for the Ball State Cardinals next year. The incoming freshman just completed orientation on the Muncie campus.

“We were pretty much herded like cattle,” Williams joked.

Williams sees his next step to Ball State being similar to the step one takes from middle school to high school.

“It’s a progression. I’m starting from the bottom of the totem pole again after I was at the top (as a high school senior),” said Williams. “I get to see what I can do at the next level.”

To get to this level Williams had a solid foundation starting at home. Williams’ father, Kent, runs Brockway Golf Course and taught the game to sons Brodie and Hayden. Hayden Williams graduated from Lapel in 2003. His mother, Alice, was always there, being everything from ardent supporter to transportation.

“I really want to thank my family; my dad for teaching me the game and my mom for going with me everywhere,” said Williams. “The competitors in the county, any one of whom could’ve been named (golfer of the year), and the community as a whole that supported me on this run.”

Williams also gave credit to a fellow classmate for his success this season.

“Mason Lloyd helped push me along this year,” said Williams. “It was very disappointing that he didn’t get out of sectional, ‘cause I saw the way he prepared. But thanks to him for pushing me and helping me this season.”

When next season rolls around at Lapel, Maryan knows that he’ll have a major hole to fill on the course. But that’s not where he’ll miss Williams the most.

“As good of a golfer as he is, he’s an even better person,” said Maryan. “He’s just great to be around. I’ll miss him more than I’ll miss his golf.”