Mike Morrison Loves the Rush of Competition
When Great Bridge senior Michael Morrison began running the 800 meter race for his middle school track team back in the 7th grade, he had no idea then how far his running would actually take him. In the 8th grade, Morrison started sprinting and jumping and by his freshman year of high school he had added pole-vaulting to his list of events. He has just been progressing from there. So much so, that he was even named Gatorade's Virginia Track and Field Male Athlete of the Year in his senior season.
Morrison's list of accomplishments reads like a laundry list of unparalleled success. In addition to the Gatorade honors, he has also been named the Virginian Pilot and Norfolk Sports Club Athlete of the Year; he is a four time Southeastern District Most Valuable Player Award winner, and he helped lead the Wildcats to the school's first team state Outdoor championship in 2005. And that's just some of his awards. He also holds many Great Bridge school records as well as having competed nationally and internationally with Youth and Junior National teams in places like Morocco and Ontario.
“My goals going into every competition is to win,” Morrison says. “I love competing in anything and everything; I enjoy the rush I get from competition.” Morrison admits to competing in so many different events as to avoid getting run down from focusing on just one particular event. “I enjoy all of the jumps, hurdles, and the throws,” he says, “I look at every event as a new challenge. It keeps me busy but also fresh, so I don't have to worrying about getting sick of any one event.”
It would be easy to assume that with all the energy that Morrison devotes to athletics, he would be consumed by them and not have time for anything else, even his school work. Not only does Morrison have find time for other activities, he excels at them as well. His collection of academic honors is almost as large as his athletic one and he also makes it a priority to be involved in his community as much as he can.
Morrison volunteers as a youth leader in the WyldLife program at Great Bridge Middle School, where he helps mentor and encourage a group of 8th grade boys. He also is very active in his church's youth group and also regularly attends Young Life meetings once a week. Morrison belongs to the Digna Phi Hi-Y Service Organization and even has done some child care and lawn care for local families.
Student athletes like Morrison don't come around every day.
Despite the accolades and awards, Morrison somehow remains grounded. Though it has been his hard work and dedication that has earned him the success he has enjoyed already, he credits others for helping him along the way.
“[Great Bridge Track and Field] Coach Fulford has had a tremendous impact on my success,” Morrison says, “I wouldn't have the success I have now if it weren't for him.” Morrison has also received encouragement from the home front as well. “My parents have had a huge impact on me and have supported me all along the way.”
It would appear that Morrison has practically accomplished everything he can on the high school level and he looks forward to new challenges and new goals at the next level. He plans to attend the University of Florida in the fall of 2006 where he will continue competing. Morrison hopes to become a national champion at the collegiate level and even go on to compete professionally one day.
He knows what it will take to get there. “Hard work and dedication,” he says. “The time you put in may not seem like its effective immediately, but over time you'll reap the benefits of your effort.”
But for now Morrison is not worried about the destination, he is just trying to enjoy the journey. “If you're not having a good time out there, you shouldn't be doing it all,” he says, “Sports and competition is all about having a good time.”
