Courtesy of Norfolk State Athletic Communications
NORFOLK, Va. - The abrupt end to the remainder of the 2020 NCAA spring sports season around the country has hit especially hard for senior student-athletes, many of whom had plans of celebrating senior days and competing one last time for conference championships before graduating.
Over the coming weeks, NSU Athletics is highlighting a number of these student-athletes who have been integral members of their sports programs, on and off the fields of competition.
Tyler Morgan just completed his fourth season as a pitcher on the NSU baseball team. The left hander has made 59 career appearances, 57 coming out of the bullpen. As a freshman, Morgan earned the pitching victory in NSU's win over Maryland Eastern Shore that clinched the Spartans' third straight MEAC Northern Division title.
As a junior, Morgan made a team-high 22 pitching appearances, helping the Spartans reach the MEAC Tournament championship round. He has 75 strikeouts in 87.1 career innings.
Morgan has also excelled in the classroom. He has been a member of the MEAC Commissioner's All-Academic Team the last three years, has been named to the NSU AD's Honor Roll each of his seven completed semesters, and was also chosen to the VaSID All-State Academic Team in 2019.
Read more on Morgan and his journey below:
Q: What made you choose Norfolk State as your college destination?
A: My goal was to always play Division I baseball and Norfolk State fulfilled that dream of mine. When NSU brought me on a visit as a rising senior in high school, I instantly knew I found a new home. Everyone from staff members, to coaches and players were so helpful and welcoming that I knew this was the place for me.
Q: What has been your favorite memory as a Spartan?
A: My favorite memory as a Spartan personally would have to be getting the start at No. 10 East Carolina. As a team, it would have to be Caleb Ward and Korey Singh hitting homers in the tournament last year to help us advance.
Q: What do you love most about playing baseball?
A: What I love most about playing baseball is the brotherhood with my teammates and coaches that is built and just getting to go out every day and compete with my brothers.
Q: You've established yourself as a left-handed specialist coming out of the bullpen. What is the hardest part about being a relief pitcher?
A: You know, I don't think being a relief pitcher is necessarily hard but it's more of a mental game. You have to know when to stretch and get ready on your own based on situations and learn how much time you have to get ready before you go to the mound, all while getting mentally prepared to do your job. I feel that my mental game is something I take pride in and has always been one of my strongest abilities. So when my name is called, I'm ready.
Q: Speaking about mentality - left-handed athletes, and baseball players especially, have been stereotyped over the years as being somewhat quirky. Do you have any special superstitions or habits that have become part of your routine as a player?
A: Nothing really quirky but more of my routine. Before every game I always say a prayer and thank God for the ability to play the game I love again because without him, it wouldn't be possible. Every inning, I will write my grandma's initials behind the mound so she is always with me when I pitch.
Q: Who are some of the people who have influenced your development as a player?
A: This list is a long one, everyone in my life who has helped me get to where I am including my family, coaches, teammates, friends. There's just so many people that I could include because so many people have helped me along my career.
Q: What is the hardest part about not being able to finish this season?
A: Losing one more chance to win a ring with my teammates. This is one of the best teams I've ever been part of and I know we had something special this year. Having that taken as a senior is a tough one.
Q: What are some of the things you've learned as a student-athlete at NSU that you will remain with you after you leave the University?
A: The biggest thing I've learned is that you have to work hard in anything you do. Being a student-athlete is a long schedule of classes, practices and games as well as studying every day. The amount of hard work it takes to be a successful student-athlete has taught me to work hard at everything in life and I will forever be grateful for NSU and athletics for that.
Q: What is your major and what would you like to do with it after graduation?
A: I am a physical education major seeking a job as a teacher and a varsity baseball coach. One day I hope to open a baseball facility of my own with my fiancé as well as teaching, all to give back to the youth!