It was the first day of Junior High Athletics, at Cleburne Middle School, a day that all athletes fear. A tall, bald guy with a whistle in his mouth walked in, his position was head volleyball coach- the team I was trying out for. Throughout the tryouts he made sure we understood that we knew he wasn’t afraid to run us, yell at us, or make us cry.
Those few days of tryouts were living hell for me. I had never touched a volleyball and Coach Morton made it clear that he didn’t like me. I was placed on “C” team that year, and he pushed me harder than anyone else; by the end of my first season he had helped me improve and planted a desire in me to strive to succeed in volleyball. I spent extra time in the gym- improving, getting my confidence up, and listening to his voice echo in my mind saying “DON'T GIVE UP! YOU CAN DO BETTER…”. I hated him for that, for always putting me down, making me feel useless. But because of him, I strived to get better- to prove that I was more than he thought I was. After all my work and effort the next year came around quick, I had vastly improved but still I was placed on “C” team. And the cycle started again. As a freshman I was one of four that made Jv, and sophomore year one of three that made Varsity. I finally caught his eye, and thanked him for shaping me into who I am.
As I look back at my middle school years, I often think about how it wasn’t fair, but now I know that he is the only reason I'm where I'm at now. As I recall, one day when we were talking he told me that he picked on me and broke me down because he saw talent that he didn’t see in others. I know that if he wouldn’t have done that I would have quit after seventh grade and never would have found my passion in life. Not only has he helped me find my one true love, he has also instilled in me that to succeed you have to have determination, work-hard and not give up. As I have grown up and matured I have realized that those three things are the key to survive in this world. If it wasn’t for him I have no clue where I would be in my life right now.
He’s not just a coach that goes through the motions, Morton really cares and loves to watch his students succeed. Bryan Morton has had a lasting impact on my life, he is someone that I can never thank enough for all that he has done for me. No one will truly understand how grateful am to be able to have him as not only a coach but a mentor.