Narrowly missing the finals, senior Clark Morris placed 12th at the 2024 State meet.
This year, he hopes to do better. In class 3A, he is currently ranked fourth (via IATrack and Field).
Morris believes his junior year experience will help him this season.
“I didn’t make it to the State finals (last year), so that’s definitely a goal I have for this season,” Morris said. “I did good at State, but I always set high expectations for myself.”
Head Coach Chris Harbaugh said Morris learns from his mistakes and adjusts to improve for future races.
“With his hard work, I have no doubt he can achieve his goals,” Harbaugh said. “No matter the competition, Clark will rise to the occasion.”
Although Morris acknowledges the nerves the State meet can bring, he doesn’t let the pressure get to him.
“There’s a little bit of pressure, but the times are going to talk,” Morris said. “We can’t change any of that.”
Morris credits Harbaugh, Coach Jesse Popp, and especially his teammates for his improvement in the past year.
“You always have teammates cheering you on from the sideline,” Morris said. “It gives you a little extra drive so you can put up good team scores.”
While Morris’ teammates help him achieve his goals, senior Levi Wilson-Bries said Morris has done the same for them.
“(Clark) pushes me and reminds of what I need to do to get better,” Wilson-Bries said.
Morris’ passion for his sport has carried over to helping others.
“When we’re out at the track, we always try to coach (the middle schoolers) up whenever they’re out hurdling,” Morris said. “It’s kind of fun to teach them and coach them, so hopefully they’ll stay out for track.”
Morris’ work with younger kids keeps Harbaugh hopeful for the future.
Clark’s success has definitely been an inspiration to others,” Harbaugh said. “He’s been a big help, especially with other hurdlers. It’s awesome to see the middle school athletes watch and look up to Clark when he’s doing his hurdle workout.”
The beginning of last season was tough for Morris, since he didn’t work on his hurdling over the off-season. He was determined to make this year different.
“I went up to the track once or twice a week after work to stay active and constantly keep hurdling because I didn’t want that to happen this year,” Morris said. “I wanted to be ready when we started.”
Morris and his team will compete at the West Delaware Boys Invite this Thursday.
