Renauld Williams, a 1999 graduate of Friends Academy and son of James Williams, of Westbury, was recently named "Defensive Player of the Week" by the Canadian Football League.

The recognition followed an 11-tackle performance by the Saskatchewan Roughrider linebacker against the rival Hamilton Tiger-Cats. It was the fourth consecutive start for Williams, 27, who joined Saskatchewan this season following tours with the NFL's Miami Dolphins, New York Jets and San Francisco 49ers.

"Renauld's heart is as big as his talent, so this doesn't surprise me," said Friends Academy head football coach Ron Baskind. "I use his character and dedication as an example for current players to live up to."

Williams holds several Friends Academy football records, including most career rushing yards, most rushing yards in a season, and most touchdowns in a season. The all-Long Island player twice led Friends to the Nassau County semifinals. Friends Academy is a member of Section 8 of the Long Island High School League.

Highly recruited, Williams committed to New Hampshire, but soon transferred to Hofstra University on Long Island. The coach converted him to linebacker, and he finished his college career as one of the nation's few Division I-AA players selected for the annual Blue Gray Game, which pits the country's top seniors from the South and North against each other. Williams was drafted by the Miami Dolphins of the NFL. He is the only Friends Academy graduate to have a professional football career.

Friends Academy, a Quaker, independent, college-preparatory school for children from age 3 through 12th grade in Locust Valley, was founded in 1876 by Gideon Frost, a retired businessman and member of the Matinecock Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers). The school actively pursues its founding mission statement, which calls for a "genuine commitment of service and ethical action, and an understanding that every life is to be explored, celebrated, and enjoyed." Friends Academy has won numerous awards and citations for its far-reaching Community Service program. For more information is available at www.fa.org.