William Munson had plenty of individual accomplishments he could have talked about.

He had just helped Jim Thorpe sweep the top three spots in the Class 2A shot put at the 2019 District 11 Track and Field Meet, earning his second gold medal in as many days.

But Munson was maybe even more excited for the runner-up that day, teammate A.J. Bailor.

“It’s amazing, and I’m going to be honest, he’s probably going to be better than me,” Munson said at the time. “He’s got two more years, and he’s throwing better than I ever did at that age, which is going to be crazy. I wish him the best of luck.”

Munson’s words forecast a bright future for Bailor.

And while Bailor and countless others were unable to compete last spring due to the coronavirus pandemic, he never stopped working and always stayed ready.

That drive has never wavered, something that has helped Bailor stay prepared for his senior season, while also laying the foundation for his future.

That opportunity will come at Division I Monmouth University, where Bailor will continue his academic and track and field careers.

“To have this opportunity to be here today and to eventually go to college, it’s amazing,” Bailor said at a signing ceremony Wednesday. “Most kids don’t get this opportunity to compete at a level this high or go to a university as prestigious, so in order for me to be here today and do all this, it’s amazing, especially after what a rough year it’s been.

“I’m just very thankful for everybody, and everybody that was here today - all of them have helped me tremendously along the way in this journey.”

Bailor has put himself in this position by embracing the grind that comes with reaching a high level in any sport.

Jim Thorpe power lifting and strength coach John McGowan has seen Bailor’s dedication on display for years.

“He’s just had such a strong work ethic since seventh grade,” said McGowan, who has been with the program for 37 years. “He was always the last one in the weight room, and always disciplined. Just a great kid to coach.”

Bailor has utilized his strength and agility in football, where he was named to the Schuylkill County Football Coaches Association Dream Team as an offensive guard this past season. Bailor was also selected as the Offensive Lineman of the Year for the North.

In track and field, Bailor has found the perfect mix for his abilities.

“It’s all natural progressions,” said Olympians’ head track and field coach Frank Miller, who is also on the football staff. “Obviously, power lifting is a powerful and explosive activity. For football, you can never be too fast, too strong, too explosive.

“And to throw the shot put and discus, it ties everything together. The direct correlation between the three sports, they go hand-in-hand. Being able to work with (powerlifting) coach McGowan and (football) coach (Mark) Rosenberger, in coordinating activities for A.J. to keep him going in all three, has been great. We all have the same goal for him in the end, and that’s to have him excel, which obviously he’s done.”

As a runner-up to Munson, Bailor hit 47-4 1/2 in the shot put. Munson won it hitting 51-8 1/4.

Bailor has touched 57-10 at practice in the shot put, while also hitting 143-0 in the discus, an event Munson won at districts with a throw of 134-4.

It may have been a year later than he might have hoped or that Munson predicted, but Bailor is no less ready,

“I’m excited for the outdoor season, because I think I have the ability to do great things this year,” said Bailor.

He will major in medical laboratory sciences at Monmouth, where he will receive financial assistance both academically and athletically.

Bailor also considered Southeastern University, which is in Florida, as well as East Stroudsburg University.