Westmoreland athletes of the week: Latrobe’s Zakharee Williams, Greensburg Salem’s Malia Anderson

By: Andrew John
Tuesday, April 30, 2019 | 6:09 PM

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Malia Anderson

School: Greensburg Salem

Sport: Track and field

Year: Senior

Claim to fame: Anderson, a Georgetown commit, won the 800 meters (2:18.52) and ran anchor for the 1,600 relay (4:13.71) and 3,200 relay (9.53.24) at the Westmoreland County Coaches Association championship meet April 27 at Latrobe.

“It was a really windy day, so at the beginning I wanted to get the record but I’m glad we won. It was a long time since we won the four-by-four (relay), and we finished with a good time to win the four-by-eight,” Anderson said.

What made you commit to Georgetown?

I feel in love with the team, and their middle distance program is very good. I’m currently undecided about my major.

What did you learn from placing second in the 800 at WPIALs last year?

It really made me want to win WPIALs. I’ve placed every year, but I haven’t won one yet. I ran my (personal record) last year, and it showed me to keep working hard and, hopefully, I will get it this year.

Where do you think you stand compared to where you were at this time last year?

I ran a 2:13 already this year. To have that time at this time of the year is really exciting for me. In the relay, I split a 2:11 at Latrobe Invitational, which is very exciting.

What do you like about running in the 800 meters?

I ran it since I was little, so I’m very use to it. It’s a sprint but not really. The 800 isn’t a full sprint like the 400. You are running fast and hard but not sprinting.

If you could meet anyone, who would it be?

Usain Bolt because he had so much success with running. I think it would be awesome to talk to him.

Zakharee Williams

School: Latrobe

Sport: Track and field

Year: Senior

Claim to fame: Williams, who earned MVP honors, won the boys 100 meters (11.15) and 400 (50.35) and was part of the winning relay teams for Latrobe in the 400 (43.94) and 1,600 (3:30.03) at the Westmoreland County Coaches Association meet April 27 at Latrobe.

“I was trying to go out there and win the meet. It was my last meet at Memorial Stadium, so I wanted to go out with a bang,” Williams said.

What are your college plans for next year?

I’m running track at either Seton Hill or Slippery Rock next year. They both have my major, sports medicine.

What is your favorite event?

The 400 because of all the training that goes into it. I’ve done it since my freshman year. I didn’t really like it at first. I grew to love it. It’s a love-hate relationship.

What’s your mindset for the rest of the season?

Our goal is to get both of our relays qualified. Individually, I’m trying to get to the medal stand at Shippensburg.

What’s your favorite sport?

Football. The relationships you make with it and the grind of the sport. Nothing beats Friday night lights.

How did track and field help you with football?

Originally, I used it to get in shape for football. It helped me get stronger with all the running all year round.

— Andrew John

Tags: Greensburg C.C., Latrobe