Lexington, SC (James Bowers) - While White Knoll Track and Field Coach DeAngelo Bryant is proud of his track and field athletes Alan Alvarez and LJ Gray for their accomplishments athletically, he revels even more in the type of people they are; “I can’t brag enough about both of them,” Bryant said. Alvarez’s triumph in the SCHSL AAAAA 100-meter dash was coupled with Gray’s besting of the state’s 110 hurdle field during the state track and field championships on May 11 in Columbia. Bryant calls his stars “extremely hard workers” who strove day in and day out to become the championship-caliber competitors they are today. “Both of them had talent, the natural ability wasn’t already there. They both built themselves into the type of athletes that they are,” Bryant says. “They’re sort of like coach-athletes. They could coach their teammates, themselves. They would consult with me on things they wanted me to observe.” Bryant also coached the two athletes when they played on WK’s football team as defensive backs, the position that he oversees. He also touts Alvarez and Gray’s involvement in various community service projects throughout their time at White Knoll.
Both young men will have the opportunity to compete at the collegiate level. Alan Alvarez will continue his track and field career in the Atlantic Coast Conference, accepting a scholarship to North Carolina State University. Gray has a scholarship for track and field as well as football at Limestone College, a rare opportunity. Alvarez will formally sign with the Wolfpack during a Thursday morning ceremony at White Knoll High. The event will also see another WKHS student athlete, Renee Allen, sign with Wofford College. To see two of his athletes earn scholarships is a watershed moment for Coach Bryant. “I couldn’t have asked to coach two better young men,” Bryant said.
For more information on Timberwolf sports visit whiteknollathletics.com.
