Queen’s football star and Kingston newbie Shomari Williams has something he wants people to know: he’s looking for a good barber in Kingston, so if you know one, hit him up on Twitter at www.twitter.com/blac33.
The 6’2″, 236-pound defensive lineman is a hulking figure. After playing three years of NCAA Division I football at the University of Houston, the Brampton-born Williams has returned to his homeland to represent the Gaels in OUA competition.
During Queen’s 20-8 victory over the University of Ottawa Gee-Gees, Williams recorded two of the Gaels’ four sacks and one retrieved fumble, good enough to be named an OUA football athlete of the week. Williams said he wanted to continue playing football while attending teacher’s college.
“Well, I graduated from the University of Houston and I had two years of eligibility left,” he said. “I wanted to come back and do some graduate work.”
Williams said classes aren’t harder than they were in Houston, but they’re geared toward a different purpose.
“[Teacher’s college] is really just preparing you to go out and teach,” he said. “It’s not as demanding as my business program at Houston, but it’s still challenging. I like it.”
Having juggled classes and football during his entire tenure at the University of Houston, Williams said it’s not hard.
“I’m kind of used to it now,” he said. “It’s still a little hard, but nothing overwhelming. Just takes a little discipline.”
Williams said his accolades were the result of the team’s work.
“Everyone is pretty excited that I’m able to come back and perform here,” he said. “But it’s really a team effort. It’s totally a team award rather than an individual award.”
Shomari said he has big plans for the future, both within football and beyond.
“Well, I would really like to play professional football,” he said. “I’m going to have a business degree and an education degree. Maybe owning my own business.”
But for now, the only thing that matters is beating the York Lions on Saturday at Richardson Stadium and continuing the Gaels’ undefeated streak.
“It’s really good,” he said. “It’s really where we wanted to be. We want to work hard and have another 8-0 season.”
–By Craig Draeger
What’s your favourite team in any sport?
It has to be the Raptors; Toronto Raptors.
Which superhero do you have the most in common with?
I’m going to have to say Spiderman.
Boxers or briefs?
Gotta’ go with boxers. Actually, boxer-briefs.
What’s on your iPod right now?
Drake, a Canadian rap artist.
If you were a dancer, would you do ballet or break dancing?
You know, ballet is good for football, so I’d have to say ballet.
Mullets or Mohawks?
I like the Mohawk. I don’t have one, but I like the Mohawk.
Italian or Greek food?
Italian.
Who’s your celebrity crush?
Ashanti.
Hidden Talent?
I can cook.
Most Visited Website?
It’s my Facebook.
Morning Person or a Night Person?
I’m a morning person. I wake up 5:00 in the morning and go to work out.
All final editorial decisions are made by the Editor(s) in Chief and/or the Managing Editor. Authors should not be ed, targeted, or harassed under any circumstances. If you have any grievances with this article, please direct your comments to [email protected].