Three-Time State Champion Amauree Williams Caps Historic Southland Career

Southland's first male IHSA state champion ends his career as one of Illinois' premier hurdlers
‘And another one’… Amauree Williams makes jumping hurdles look easy. Photo Courtesy of Southland College Prep.
‘And another one’… Amauree Williams makes jumping hurdles look easy. Photo Courtesy of Southland College Prep.

Three-Time State Champion Amauree Williams Caps Historic Southland Career

Southland's first male IHSA state champion ends his career as one of Illinois' premier hurdlers

 

RICHTON PARK, Ill. — Southland College Prep Charter High School senior Amauree Williams capped one of the most accomplished track and field careers in school history Saturday by winning two state championships at the IHSA Class 2A Boys Track and Field State Finals in Charleston.

Williams captured the state title in the 110-meter hurdles with a personal-best time of 14.26 seconds and successfully defended his championship in the 300-meter hurdles, winning in a personal-best 37.55 seconds.

The victories give Williams three IHSA state championships during his Southland career. In 2025, he won the 300-meter hurdles state title, becoming the first male athlete in Southland history to win an IHSA state championship. One year later, he returned to the state's biggest stage and elevated his legacy even further by winning two individual state titles in a single meet.

Earlier this year, Williams won the Illinois Top Times Indoor Classic Class 2A championship in the 60-meter hurdles, establishing himself as one of Illinois' premier hurdlers and setting the stage for a dominant outdoor season.

"Winning three state championships is a remarkable accomplishment," said Dr. Blondean Y. Davis, superintendent of Matteson School District 162 and CEO of Southland College Prep Charter High School. "Amauree has represented Southland with excellence and we are extremely proud of him."

Williams entered the state finals as one of Illinois' top hurdlers but saved his best performances for the season's biggest stage. His winning times of 14.26 seconds in the 110-meter hurdles and 37.55 seconds in the 300-meter hurdles both established new personal records.

"Amauree has been a tremendous ambassador for Southland athletics," said Justin Johnson, Southland athletic director. "His work ethic, humility and leadership have made a lasting impact on our program."

Southland Track and Field Coach Eddie McKinnie said Williams' accomplishments are the result of a relentless commitment to improvement.

"From the moment Amauree arrived at Southland, he embraced every challenge and never stopped striving to be better," McKinnie said. "His success comes from countless hours of hard work, discipline and preparation. He is a tremendous competitor, but he is also an outstanding teammate and leader. We are proud of everything he has accomplished and excited to see what he will achieve at the next level."

Williams concludes his Southland career with a remarkable résumé that includes 11 state qualifications, eight state-final appearances and three IHSA state championships. His back-to-back state championships in the 300-meter hurdles, combined with his 2026 title in the 110-meter hurdles, place him among the elite track and field athletes in Illinois.

His achievements add to what has been a historic year for Southland athletics and student achievement. Members of the Class of 2026 earned nearly $60 million in scholarship offers. Williams' performance at the state meet further strengthened Southland's reputation as one of Illinois' premier high school programs.

Williams is considering continuing his academic and athletic career at either Norfolk State University or Olivet Nazarene University, where he hopes to compete in track and field at the collegiate level.

Southland College Prep Charter High School serves approximately 600 students in grades 9-12. The school was recognized as an Exemplary School by the Illinois State Board of Education in 2025-26, a designation reserved for schools performing in the top 10 percent statewide. Southland ranked No. 11 among Illinois' 712 public high schools.

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