Legendary Wrestling Coach Alan Morris Retires After Decades of Impact
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After a career spanning decades, hall of Fame wrestling coach Alan Morris has announced his retirement, marking the end of an era for Bradley Central High School and Walker Valley wrestling programs. Morris, who secured the first-ever wrestling victory for Bradley Central in 1973, steps down following health complications stemming from neck surgery.
Morris’s influence extends far beyond the win column, shaping the lives of countless young athletes and building a wrestling dynasty. His dedication to the sport and his athletes has earned him accolades and a place in the hearts of the Cleveland, Tennessee community.
A Storied Career on and Off the Mat
Morris’s journey began as a wrestler at Bradley Central,where he quickly made his mark. After high school, he continued his wrestling career at Chattanooga State and the University of Tennessee Chattanooga before serving in the Air Force. His passion for wrestling never waned, leading him to coaching after his military service.
Returning to Cleveland in 1986, Morris began coaching his son, Al Jr., at the Cleveland boys Club. He later founded the Bradley Wrestling Club,where he remained involved for over 20 years. In the early 2000s, Morris accepted an offer to head the Walker Valley wrestling program, a position he held for two decades.
Did You Know? Alan Morris amassed 298 wins as the head coach of Walker Valley, producing numerous state tournament qualifiers and champions.
Family Legacy Woven into Wrestling
The Morris name is synonymous with wrestling in the Cleveland area. His oldest son, Al Jr., is the athletic director at Cleveland High School, and his daughter-in-law, Jenna, is a former assistant girls wrestling coach.Grandchildren Destin and Kai are also involved in wrestling, carrying on the family tradition.
His youngest son,andy,serves as an assistant coach at Walker Valley,and his daughter-in-law,Lauren,is a former scorekeeper for the Mustangs. Grandchildren Maddox, Kimbrel, and Murphy are also involved in the Walker Valley wrestling program. His daughter Annie is a former wrestling scorekeeper. This deep family involvement underscores Morris’s commitment to the sport and its ability to bring people together.
Accolades and Lasting Impact
Morris’s contributions to wrestling have been recognized with inductions into the Chattanooga Sports hall of Fame, the Tennessee Chapter of the National wrestling Hall of fame, and the Cleveland/Bradley County Old timers Hall of Fame. While he humbly acknowledges thes honors, Morris emphasizes that his greatest reward comes from the relationships he has built with his athletes, coaches, and the community.
Pro Tip: Building strong relationships with athletes is key to effective coaching,fostering trust and mutual respect.
Looking Ahead
While stepping down from his coaching role, Morris plans to remain involved in the wrestling community, attending matches and supporting his grandson at Cleveland High School. Although his loyalty lies with the Walker Valley Mustangs, he will be cheering on his grandson in the blue singlet.
Morris leaves behind a legacy of success, mentorship, and unwavering dedication to the sport of wrestling. His impact on the lives of countless athletes and the Cleveland community will be felt for years to come.
Alan Morris: A Career Timeline
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1973 | Secured first wrestling win for Bradley Central High School |
| 1986 | Started coaching at Cleveland Boys Club |
| Early 2000s | Began coaching at Walker Valley High School |
| 2025 | retires from coaching |
What are your favorite memories of Coach Morris? How has wrestling impacted your life?
