Meet Michael Morris, Towson University Rugby

“I’ll always be involved in sports–whether as an athlete, coach, or mentor. That’s one thing in my life that will never change.”

“Football is easy if you’re crazy as hell” – Bo Jackson.

Michael Morris

In today’s world it’s tough to find somebody drenched in dedication and humility. But by good fortune The Sports Column came in touch with just such a person, a rugby player from Long Island, NY, who dreams of playing for USA’s 15’s team. He’s Towson University player, Michael Morris.

Ravi: Michael, could you take us through what motivated you to take up sports?

Michael: I started playing organized sports around the age of 3 to 4 years old. I started with soccer and then moved to wrestling when I was about 7 years old. I started playing football and lacrosse in middle school when I reached seventh grade. Throughout high school I continued to play football and wrestle for my school teams, and I played baseball in an outside league.

Since I was born I was always influenced to like sports. My mother was a sports journalist and always had an interest for sports. My parents never forced anything on me, but they exposed me to sports at an early age and I always liked sports. For as long as I can remember, I always wanted to be just like the professional athletes I watched on TV–the way they walked, talked, and played.

Ravi: Where did it all begin for you in football? Is long snapping your favorite position?

Michael: I began playing football in seventh grade. I played soccer for all of my years prior to that, but I decided to play football instead because I liked the rough nature of the sport. I felt it fit me better. Before I ever experimented with long snapping, I was a wide receiver. I always had a love for making plays on the receiving end of the ball.

Morris in play against rival Salisbury University (photo, Towson Rugby)

Ravi: There have been many unsung heroes in the game. Could you let us know who your favorites are?

Michael: One “unsung hero” who stands out is Nate Ebner. He currently plays special teams and safety for the New England Patriots. He also plays Fly Half for the USA Rugby 7’s team. He has an incredibly inspiring backstory regarding how he got to where he is today. Nate came from a background of solely playing special teams. He eventually became a mentionable name because of plenty of hard work. He’s a tenacious athlete and I admire his qualities on the pitch and the football field. 

Ravi: Do you remember your very first rugby match?  

Michael: I do. It was a scrimmage against my own team. At first I had no idea what I was doing. At the time all I knew was tackle the man with the ball and run as hard as you can when you have the ball. I ended up scoring on the last play of the game that day.

Ravi: What was going in your mind? Were there any nerves?

Michael: Of course there were nerves, just like playing any sport. I was just mentally preparing myself to do the right thing, to do the best that I could, and to show my coaches and my teammates that I can play and that I can play well.

Ravi: Who were your earlier mentors and the part they’ve played in your life?

Michael: One mentionable mentor, who changed the spectrum of my athletic career, is Jason Isom. He was my trainer for many years. Jay played professional football in the National Football League (fullback) for the San Francisco 49ers and the New Orleans Saints. Jay was not your traditional trainer. His training sessions are extremely physical and mentally challenging.

We devoted our whole summers to spending 6-to-8 hours training a day, both on the field and in the gym. Not only were the workouts long, but they were taxing and grueling. Jay would put together the hardest workout imaginable and we would complete it. Because of the insane difficulty of the program, plenty of people who trained with us would only last a workout or two before they quit. We’d never see them again. Jay’s program was a big turning point in my career because of the mental and physical strength it built. I also became extremely close with all of the guys we’ve trained with. Some will be life-long friends. One of those players is my very good friend, Tyreek Burwell. He ended up making it in professional football with the Los Angeles Chargers.

Jay’s program is called Camp 41 Elite Training Institute. I can say that he definitely played a larger role in my athletic career than any other coach I’ve had. Jay changed me physically, mentally, and pushed me beyond my perceived limits. And for that, Jay, I thank you!

Ravi: Who were and are your favourite teams other than the club you play for? 

Michael: I’ll keep it patriotic and go with the USA Eagles. They’re a team full of stud athletes and I’d love to be a part of their culture one day. 

Ravi: How is it moving on with your mates on and off the pitch? Do you have a few favourites among them? 

Michael: I love every one of my teammates. Our team has become my family away from home. Each and every one of them is like a brother to me. I couldn’t be more thankful to have these guys. 

Courtesy: Constant Contact

Ravi: We understand a lot has been changed in the way football has been played. What are your thoughts on that? 

Michael: I think football is still a fun sport to play and entertaining to watch. The rule changes are mainly for the safety of the players because football is a very dangerous sport. I understand why the rule changes are controversial, but the long-term health of the players is most important. 

Ravi: Is football your first love still? Or do you’ve any other sport in your mind which you think of making it a serious profession?

Michael: Right now my focus is on rugby. However I’ve always wondered what the lifestyle of a professional Mixed Martial Artist is like. I have wrestled for many years and I’ve always had an interest and respect for how those guys train. It’s not just the typical “cage fight” that most people see it to be. It is a maturely developed art form. I tip my hat to all professional fighters. 

Ravi: What is the most important thing you’ve learned in your life as an athlete? 

Michael: The most important thing that I have learned from athletics is that there are no shortcuts in life. If you want to thrive at something, you have to give it everything you got and do that for a long time. You have to not only work hard, but also work consistently. “Rome wasn’t built in a day.” 

Ravi: What is the most unforgettable or most memorable moment of your playing career? 

Michael: One of my favorite moments was during my first fall season of playing rugby. We were in Pittsburgh for nationals. We were playing in the Elite 8 and competing for a national title. I was an inexperienced rugby player at that point and I believe most people doubted my rugby knowledge and skills. Many people still saw me as a football player. At one point the game was on the line and I had a chance to make a difference.

Our scrum half passed me the ball out of a ruck. I ran forward, drew in two defenders, and passed the ball off to my teammate as he scored. As my teammate scored I was overwhelmed with adrenaline and the crowd erupted. It was a great moment for all of us. We ended up coming back and winning the game to move on to the Final Four in Furman, SC. I feel like that was a big turning point for me as a rugby player. I finally had a chance to make a big play when it mattered most. I will always remember that day! 

Morris (left) and teammates pose at game vs. Mt. St. Mary’s (photo, Constant Contact)

Ravi: Can you take us through the most fascinating rivalries of your club? 

Michael: Towson has always had a heated rivalry with Salisbury over the years. However, my current favorite rivalry is the one we have with Mount Saint Mary’s. They have a heck of a team and it’s always good competition to play against them. This past fall season we had an insane game against them, both for the players and for the crowd. Both teams came to play that day and the Mount ended up taking the win. I can’t wait to play them again. It will be another one for the books! 

Ravi: What are your thoughts on having a solid foundation in academics outside the playing careers? 

Michael: Academics are as important to me as athletics because academics are the foundation of every young person’s future. I plan to use my education to help the futures of thousands of young people. I’m a Physical Education major and plan to teach Physical Education at the high school level, potentially moving into an administrative position one day.

With that being said, I will receive further education in a master’s degree and potentially even a doctorate. When picking my major before I attended college, I decided that I wanted to influence the lives of as many people as I possibly could. That’s something I’m passionate about.

The job of a physical educator gives me the opportunity to do that for thousands and thousands of young people. I have had many great teachers and coaches in my life. I’ve also had many adults in my life who have left a negative impact on me, too.

Educators have a massive impact on the lives of young people. Theyl help determine their success as adults later on in life.

I want to be a positive factor.

Ravi: We all dread that day of hanging up our boots as players. Where do you see yourself once that happens in your personal life? 

Michael: To be completely honest I don’t ever see myself hanging up my boots for good. I will always be involved in sports–whether as an athlete, coach, or mentor. I’ll always be around sports, one way or another. That’s one thing in my life that will never change.