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Student-Athlete of the Week: William Fitzgerald

William Fitzgerald doesn't have many top finishes, but he is undoubtedly a big part of the Hopewell High School track team.

HUNTERSVILLE, N.C. -- William Fitzgerald doesn't have many top finishes, but he is undoubtedly a big part of the Hopewell High School track team.

"William's spirit speaks for itself," said Rina Fitzgerald, William's mother.

It's also easy to see his determination. He started running track as a freshman, now three years later he can teach anyone a thing or two about running.

But time spent with William teaches you more than just good form.

During the season, his teammates asked their coach if William could run a leg of their relay.

"When he did his race, of course, the team fell back and that last runner just took the baton and ran his heart out. And he was proud to run and end that relay with William on his team," Rina explained.

To William, it's just a lap around the track and an opportunity to get out and exercise with friends, but he's an inspiration to his teammates.

"When he gets on the track, it doesn’t matter if he's at Hopewell or Hough, when he gets on the track and starts running and all the football players are gone and they've won already, William is pushing and pushing and the whole stadium is usually cheering," Rina explained.

It's a good lesson for even the most competitive athletes, and a reminder that it's not always about where you start or finish, but about what you accomplish along the way.

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