Solon’s James Morris is well-known for his exploits on the football field. Morris, a junior and University of Iowa football recruit, is a two-time first-team all-state running back and was the first junior named the Iowa Gatorade Player of the Year.
Now he can add a state wrestling medal to his trophy case. Morris locked up a spot on the awards stand with a 3-2 quarterfinal win over Independence’s Ryan Fank.
Which is tougher for the standout athlete?
“For me, it’s wrestling,” Morris said. “It’s not second nature like football.”
Football has helped. He’s played in three state Class 2A championship games as a running back and linebacker for the two-time defending champion Spartans.
“It’s just getting used to and competing at a high level,” Morris said. “That carries over to competing from football to wrestling.”
Playing in front of 8,000 fans at the UNI-Dome prepared Morris for the state meet atmosphere, known to overwhelm some competitors.
“It calms the nerves, performing in front of a huge crowd,” Morris said. “That plays a big factor for a wrestler.”
For state tournament photo gallery:
http://pictopia.com/perl/gal?process=gallery&gallery_id=75663&provider_id=66
Filed under: Pigskin Potluck, Wrestling | Tagged: Class 2A state wrestling tournament, Iowa wrestling, James Morris, Solon | 1 Comment »
