By Bill Tipple
Bellefontaine City Schools
One of Bellefontaine High School’s top male athletes will be posthumously honored next week.
Jesse “The Jet” Williams will be recognized moments before the Chiefs host Sidney in the season opener in football on Friday at AcuSport Stadium.
Williams passed away in April 2020.
The 1969 grad set many school records at BHS.
Williams holds school records in the 100-yard dash (9.8), 220-yard dash (21.7), 440-yard dash (50.0) and long jump (22-5).
Williams was one of the greatest BHS basketball players of all time.
The four-year starter scored 309 points as a freshman and graduated as the leading scorer in school history with 1,183 points.
However, it was in football where Jesse “The Jet” really shined. He and teammate Gail Clark were known far and wide for their gridiron greatness.
Williams burst onto the scene his freshman year scoring 118 points and graduated as the leading scorer in BHS history with 504 points.
Williams was also the all-time leading rusher at the time with 4,347 yards on 542 carries for a spectacular eight yards per carry. He caught 66 passes for 1,028 yards as well.
His football honors included all-Miami Valley League three times, all-Dayton Journal Herald All Star Team, All-Ohio and member of the North-South All Star Team. He also was named All-American by Coach and Athlete Magazine.
Williams and Clark were offered many Division I scholarships after their BHS football careers. Both accepted offers from Michigan State University.
In the 50-plus years since Jesse graduated, some of his records have been surpassed due to rule changes, number of games in a season, and many fine athletes.
In honor of his athletic accomplishments, the most outstanding BHS male athlete will be awarded the Jesse “The Jet” Williams Athlete of the Year award each spring.
A plaque commemorating this award will be presented to Williams’ family on August 20.
Many of Jesse’s high school and college teammates will attend the ceremony that evening. The event will start at 6:30 p.m.