Josh Morgan (Asheville, N.C./TC Roberson) will graduate from High Point University next week. He is done with classes and has just a one more day of student-teaching before his college career is over. But there will be one more thing Morgan has to focus on before he says goodbye to HPU: The first round of the NCAA Championship on May 27.
Morgan, a senior on the men's track & field team, has extended his training for an extra five weeks to prepare for the first round of the NCAA Championship in Greensboro, N.C. at the end of May. He has gone to the regional twice before, running the 800-meter both times. This year he will run the 1,500-meter.
“I just expect to race to the best of my ability,” Morgan said. “I want to engage in the race and push as hard as I can. Hopefully, that will be enough to get me to nationals.”
One of Morgan's biggest strengths as a runner is that he finishes races very well, and in other races this year has been able to pass multiple runners at the end of races.
“I figure you are going to be in pain at the end of the race regardless,” Morgan said. “I might as well get it done as quickly as possible. People give up at the end of races and I try to get every position I can. I would much rather endure more pain and have it end quickly.”
Morgan endured plenty of pain at the Big South Outdoor Championship last month, finishing fourth in the 800-meter and second in the 1,500-meter.
“I went in with really high expectations,” Morgan said. “I thought I should win the 1,500 and be top three in the 800. But I woke up Saturday morning and just felt rough. It was the first time I have ever gotten sick at a championship and I was really disappointed. I pushed myself to my absolute maximum and lost the 1,500-meter by .01 seconds. It was really tough to lose that way in my last season.”
Morgan finished second behind Coastal Carolina's Kyle Kling in 3:52.48. Kling ran a 3:52.47. Morgan's personal best in the 1,500-meter is 3:46.13.
With just a few more weeks of running Morgan is already prepared for life after college. With his student-teaching nearly complete he is ready to teach in the fall.
“I like teaching in the sixth to eighth grade range,” he said. “I like that age because they are a little more mature but still really enthusiastic. It is definitely a challenge but they are willing to learn if you can get their interest. Ultimately, I would like to teach and coach. I still want to be a part of running.”
Life without competitive running will also free up some more time for Morgan, and he already has plans for some of his weekend down-time.
“My twin brother lives in Raleigh,” he said. “I like to spend weekends with him. He has three dogs and we go to the park and just hang out. I also love to go out to eat and try new foods. Right now I love sushi, and any exotic fish really. Some free time will be a big change.”
