He soared to incredible heights as a member of the Lower Merion Aces and now Garrett Williamson takes flight as a member of the St. Joseph's University Hawks.

At a press conference Monday, Garrett announced that he will be continuing his academic and athletic career on Hawk Hill, less than a mile from the LMHS main gym. With Coach Gregg Downer and parents Clarke Williamson and Shelley Owen Williamson sitting beside him, Garrett lifted a Hawks Basketball hat from beneath the table and placed it on his head signifying the start of a new chapter.

Coach Downer decribed Garrett as one of the greatest players to ever don the Maroon & White and highlighted his work ethic, humility and "hatred of losing" during his remarks.

Said Downer, "Coach Martelli is getting a fine basketball player and great person."

The following is a transcript of Garrett's announcement this afternoon:

Thanks to all of you for being here with me today. I would like to thank my family, friends, teachers, coaches, teammates and fans for all the support during my four years at Lower Merion. It has been one of the most enjoyable experiences of my life and I will remember all of you forever. I am very excited to continue my academic and basketball career at St. Joseph's University. This is a great opportunity for me and I hope that the support continues. I will be closeby, so I hope to see all of Aces Nation at the Fieldhouse as Hawks fans!

Thanks, again.

*** Garrett Williamson Career Highlights at Lower Merion:

• Aces' 2nd All-Time leading scorer with 1,349 pts
• Averaged 18 ppg, 8.1 rpg, 4.6 apg, 2.6 blk, during the 2005-06 season
• 1st player in Aces history to twice be named First Team All-State by the Associated Press
• Twice named All-Central League First Team (2004-05, 2005-06)
• Main Line Times All-Main Line First Team (2004-05, 2005-06)
• Main Line Life All-Main Line First Team (2005-06, 2005-06)
• Philadelphia Inquirer All-Southeastern PA 2nd Team (2006)
• Team captain (2005-06)
• All-Scholastic Play By Play First Team (2006)
• MVP Eastern PA Tip-Off Tournament (2005, 2006)
• MVP Scholastic Play By Play Main Line Classic (2005)
• Team record 53-15 during junior and senior seasons