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FULL OF RANGE, GRIT, SURPRISES: Davis’ Chatham Beats to Her Own Drum
ASHTIAN CHATHAM BALANCES TWO WORLDS — AND THRIVES IN BOTH.
A student at Aldine Blanson CTE High School, where she’s pursuing computer programming, Chatham heads across the district to compete for Davis High School track and field — and she’s rewriting the record books when she gets there.
“I’m a very competitive person,” she said. “When I first started, I wasn’t that good — but I wanted to get better. It stuck. My improvement was gradual.”
That steady climb turned into history. Chatham now holds the school records in the 400 and 800 meters, with bigger goals still ahead.
“My goals this year are to also break the school record for the mile.”
Middle-distance racing is as mental as it is physical — something she embraces.
“The 400 and 800 are really about who wants it more at the end,” she said. “It’s about grit.”
What she loves most about track is its simplicity — and its honesty.
“If I do good, it’s because of me. If I do bad, it’s on me too,” she said. “You don’t have to depend on anyone else.”
Make no mistake — she wants to win.
“I like to win. That’s just how I’m built. But I’m not mean competitive.”
Her future includes college track, but her ambitions stretch beyond the oval. At Blanson CTE, she’s immersed in computer programming and sees herself one day becoming a data analyst.
“I’m into computer programming. I see myself being a data analyst,” she said.
The balance isn’t always easy. She’s enrolled in AP and dual-credit classes — a workload that demands discipline.
“It’s very stressful to be in AP classes and dual-credit classes,” she admitted. “But I wouldn’t have it any other way. I like to challenge myself. In the classroom, I try my best.”
Track provides a contrast.
“Blanson is where I go for academics. I come to Davis to do sports. Davis is a breath of fresh air. It’s cool to meet all sorts of different people.”
Off the track, she keeps things light. She plays volleyball with friends, enjoys cooking — and especially eating — and is currently catching up on the anime One Piece.
“I love the fantasy aspect of the genre,” she said. “I love Zoro — he’s always getting lost. I can relate to that.”
Lost? Maybe sometimes. Driven? Always.
Whether she’s chasing a school record, debugging code or grinding through the final stretch of an 800, Ashtian Chatham is proof that competitiveness and curiosity can coexist — and that the finish line is only the beginning.
MEDAL MINDED: Kennedy-Williams Emerging as a Breakout Talent for Eisenhower Girls Track
FROM THE MOMENT SHE STEPPED ONTO THE VARSITY TRACK AS A FRESHMAN, JOURNIE KENNEDY-WILLIAMS MADE HER PRESENCE FELT. THE SPRINTER AND JUMPER QUICKLY TURNED HEADS FOR THE EISENHOWER EAGLES, EARNING MEDALS IN BOTH THE LONG JUMP AND 200M DASH AT THE AREA MEET, WHILE ADVANCING TO REGIONALS IN THE PROCESS.
Versatile across the 100m Dash and 4x100 and 4x200m Relays, Kennedy Williams enters her sophomore season carrying the confidence of early success and the ambition to go even further.
“There was definitely a sense of nervousness for me last year,” she said. “It was intimidating to go against seniors on the varsity level as just a freshman – but it didn’t slow me down. I’m used to it now. So, the goal is to work even harder and get further than the region and make it to State.”
Kennedy-Williams’ passion for track traces back to her family.
“I was introduced to the sport at a young age because my brothers ran. Then I took a break between first and eighth grade because I was in dance during that time. But I eventually rediscovered my passion for track and haven’t stopped since.”
While the rigorous training can be demanding, it’s also part of what keeps her engaged.
“Practice is the most challenging aspect of the sport, especially when we’re really pushed to the limit on a consistent basis. But when those medals come as a result, and you surprise yourself with some new personal records, it’s a lot easier to deal with,” she said.
Beyond the track, Kennedy-Williams’ personality shines through in small, unexpected ways.
“I can be pretty country. I don’t wear socks at all, not even at track meets, so walking around barefoot is nothing new to me. While I haven’t really ridden horses, I used to be at the barn a lot whenever my stepdad had one. All that kind of feeds into my personality.”
The competitive spirit that drives Kennedy-Williams has quickly cemented her standing for the Eagles as they chase district titles and look to make an even bigger impact at Regionals – and, potentially, at State.