From Mission Trip to College Football: Williams on the Move

by Bill Althaus, Grain Valley News

Ty Williams is becoming an expert at packing a suitcase.

Williams, who set the Missouri big-class single season rushing mark of 2,485 rushing yard in 2022, recently returned home from a heartfelt mission trip to the Denver Dream Center, where he served the homeless community with members of his Valley Community Church.

After a couple of days at home, the former all-state standout packs his bags once again to begin a new football challenge at Baker University in Baldwin City, Kan.

He spent his freshman year at Washburn University in Topeka, Kan., but decided to make the switch at the end of the school year.

“Things just didn't work out at Washburn, and I really wish they would have,” Baker said. “I didn't know what I was going to do when I was working out and ran into (former Grain Valley teammate) Seth Dankenbring.

“We talked for a while, and I told him I was looking for a new school. He said he enjoyed playing at Baker and gave me the coach's phone number.

“I texted the coach, he got back to me, and we really hit it off. And I guess, you can say the rest is history.”

Williams' 2,485 yards rushing were the most by a big-class school ball carrier in state history, according to the Missouri State High School Activities.

He averaged 10.1 yards per carry and 207.1 yards rushing per game and scored 33 rushing touchdowns.

He also averaged a whopping 32.1 yards per reception, tallying 385 yards and five more touchdowns on just 12 receptions. He led the metro area in rushing, total yards per game and rushing touchdowns in an unprecedented breakout season.

When asked about being the man in high school, to being a reserve in college, Williams had a ready answer.

“I still believe I can have the same success at the college level that I had at Grain Valley,” Williams said. “I just need the opportunity. And I believe I will get that opportunity at Baker.

“I'm going to be playing with a chip on my shoulder, and no one is going to outwork me. I can promise you that.”

It's a quick transition for Williams, who recently spent a week with members of his Valley Community Church, on a mission trip to the Denver Dream Center.

“I learned so much on that mission trip,” Williams said. “We were there a week, and from 8 a.m. to 9 or 10 p.m., we were members of the center's Street Teams, where we walked the streets. Passing out food and water, we played with the kids and visited Section 8 housing, where we had as much fun as the kids.

“The trip made me feel blessed, and so thankful for the things I have. I learned as much as anyone we reached out to. It was a life-changing experience.”
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Ty Williams, a record-breaking running back who graduated from Grain Valley High School in 2023, just returned from a youth mission trip with members of Valley Community Church, where they handed out food, water and hope at the Denver Dream Center. He leaves this Friday to attend Baker University. Photo courtesy Ty Williams.

Ty Williams, who rushed for a Missouri big-state all-time best of 2,485 yards, is awaiting a new football challenge at Baker University. Photo courtesy Ty Williams.