ATLANTA, GA |  Sidney Morris, sophomore and captain of the track team, participated in the cross-country championship on Wednesday, October 23. His determined leadership, skill, and perseverance got him across the finish line, coming in eighteenth place with a time of 28:18.99.
 
When asked about his driving force, Sidney mentioned that from a young age, his dad encouraged him to run because it created discipline within the mind and other transferable skills that Sidney could hone in different parts of his life. Sidney just celebrated his fourth anniversary of being a runner, sharing his thankfulness to the man up above who continues to guide him in faith and light.
 
Why did Sidney choose Morehouse?  He stated that he had another opportunity to run back home in Chicago. But his cousin, who graduated from Morehouse back in 2021, led Sidney to make the ultimate decision in choosing The House because of the man he witnessed his cousin become from start to finish of his college career.
 
Sidney states that his time at Morehouse has taught him to continue believing in himself and not letting other people's perceptions affect him on the course. Being a four-year-old track runner and starting cross country as a way to challenge the mind, came with doubt from others who only saw him as a four-hundred-meter dash contestant. Sidney says he was confident in his ability to complete the races and proved himself correct as he has dominated the season thus far.
 
Although Sidney has dominated on the course, "The wins would be nothing without the failures," the player states. At the end of the finish line, about thirty feet out, the cross-country runner's legs gave out.
 

"I tried to get up and continue running but fell back to my knees. At that point, I knew that my legs were numb, and I could only feel my hips. I saw a runner coming up behind me, and all I could think about at this point was that I needed to finish the race. This had never happened to me before, and I could almost not believe how close I was to the finish line, with no idea how to get there. With all the adrenaline pumping through my body, I knew I had to think quickly."
 
The player began to crawl, and as he fell flat on the ground, he rolled to the finish line. From there, the player was carried off the course and nursed back to health.
 
"I did not drink enough water that day. Although my goal was to come in the top ten and receive a medal, I knew I needed this setback to continue my journey. This day was bigger than just me. A mentor came up to me and told me that my hope in finishing the race and not letting my team down instilled hope in him to finish his chemotherapy. That is a moment that I will never forget."
 
Sidney states that this experience has given him clarity in finishing out the season. The runner is currently out until cleared by a doctor but has taken this time to challenge himself in other ways and also reward himself.
 
"I enjoy reading books that pertain to my business major. I also enjoy my teammate's company and their encouragement to be my best self. Specifically, my teammate, Bryan, motivates me to stay disciplined and continue working hard, along with my dad, and God."
 
When asked about any pre-game rituals, Sidney stated that he gives thanks to God by putting his arms up in the air and tilting his head back right before the race begins to let God know that he is letting Him take the wheel.
 
"I tell myself that it is go time. I loosen up before each race by physically shaking myself out. I learned that just focusing on having fun can take you a long way."
 
" I am a very animated runner. I speak words of encouragement out loud to help myself and psych out my competition."
 
For Sidney, success in running is not just physical—it's about mental strength.
 
"Anyone can choose to run. The real game is mental. It's all about how you choose to play."
 
Morris, and the rest of the Cross-Country team will be traveling to Huntsville, AL on Saturday, November 9 to compete in the NCAA Division II Regionals.  For more about Morehouse Cross Country, and up-to-date athletic information on the Maroon Tigers, follow them on social media or online at www.morehouseathletics.com.