Introducing Crawford Morris

By Sheri Duff for the Shelburne News

Crawford Morris is in the zone. He is not in the end zone, because offensive and defensive linesman like Morris can't carry the ball or make a pass that would result in a touchdown. Instead, this zone refers to an elevated mental state that peak performers achieve in any profession or personal endeavor: sports, performing arts, education, or business. The zone is that magical place where attention is focused on what is important to making a goal happen. This year in particular Morris had his eye on this prize: CVU's first state championship in football.

Born in Burlington's Fletcher Allen Heath Care, Morris, who turned 18 on Nov. 3, lived briefly in Stowe before his family moved to Shelburne when he was three-years-old. His family includes parents, Darrell and Dan, stepmother Karen, an eight-year-old stepsister Brooke, and two dogs, Chester and Lilly.

Morris reminisced about playing football for the CSSU Buccaneers, a youth football program for the towns of Charlotte, Shelburne, Hinesburg, Williston and St. George. "I wasn't interested in soccer," he said. "So in eighth grade I went out for football. I actually missed the deadline that year but since I knew the coach I was able to play." And Morris didn't stop there. The three-year varsity standout continued to train and hone his football skills during the summer at camps in South Burlington and Hanover, N.H. "I also worked out with football coach Rahn Fleming. He pushes people to their limits," Morris said. "But he does it in a calm, kind way." Morris finds ways to train even when he's off the playing field. Last summer he was a stonemason for Morning Dew Landscaping. Morris easily found a way to use his job to bulk up and prepare for football. He plans a return to stonemasonry after graduation.

The preparation was obviously worthwhile. The Redhawks went 7-2 during the regular season with their only losses at the hands of defending D-I champ Essex and undefeated Middlebury. Going into the post season, the Redhawks were on a four-game winning streak and gaining momentum. Then misfortune struck. During the second play of the semifinal game against Rice on Nov. 6 quarterback Konnor Fleming went down with a knee injury. Although they couldn't find a way to win, the Redhawks showed real character when faced with adversity.

"Crawford was a key component to the Redhawk's success on both sides of the ball this year," according to CVU head football coach Jim Provost. "He is a true team player and most deserving of his status as captain," he added. Morris admitted, "Being voted captain of the football team is one of my proudest moments to date." And he felt his greatest strengths as captain were his ability to lead by example, keep spirits high, and remain calm. "I could get the job done without being super aggressive. My role was to remain calm and keep everyone's spirits high. I was steady Eddie," he shared.

In addition to football, Morris is a varsity lacrosse player who enjoys snowboarding and photography. Once a hobby, Morris has turned his photography into a small business: Crawford Morris Photos. "Photographing people is the most challenging," he states. "But that's probably why I like it so much. I've been hired to take a few senior pictures. And I sell my photographs at the Shelburne Craft Show," he added. Look for his specialties: nature, landscapes, and capturing moments and people in the SCS cafeteria and gym on Dec. 4 from 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Morris's interest in photography is more than a diversion. He is working with professional photographer Jordan Silverman for his Grad Challenge.

There's more to Morris than sports or business, there's performing arts and education too. In answer to a question, Morris suggested that most people would be surprised to know that he's musically inclined. "I play the baritone saxophone in the school band."

As for education; by the time this article is published, Morris will have already carried out one of his plans for the future. On Nov. 15 he applied early decision to Bucknell University in Lewisburg, Penn. "I went for a campus visit a few weeks ago and really liked the campus and the school," Morris noted. "I will probably start out studying biology. But fully expect to change my major a time or two," Morris commented. He should hear about his acceptance to the nation's top liberal arts college by Dec. 15. Regardless of his acceptance, have no doubt, Morris is prepared to make his goal happen. After all he's in the zone.