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After 12 years on the training staff, and eight years as BYU Football's Head Athletic Trainer, Kevin Morris is leaving the Cougar Football program.
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Morris made the announcement via his Facebook page on Friday:
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"To all of the current, and former BYU athletes, and student athletic trainers, it has been an honor, and privilege to have been your Athletic Trainer. As I begin a new chapter in my life, I just wanted to say thank you for the journey, and your friendship! It is difficult to leave BYU as an Athletic Trainer, but I know it is the right decision. I know that The Lord guides our lives! Thanks for the memories!"
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Kevin let me know of his plans in a separate communication, and assured me that he is totally comfortable with this career decision--a decision that was entirely his choice, and came with the support of head coach Bronco Mendenhall and BYU administrators.
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I will miss Kevin Morris, who was not only counted on by the players and coaches, but by the media, who would regularly approach Kevin for updates on injured players. Mendenhall deserves commendation for revamping his injury report system, all but taking himself out of the equation and turning all health-related questions over to his team trainer.
In many programs, coaches either speak cryptically of injuries or make trainers off-limits to the media; in the BYU Football program, media members essentially got as much information as they required, and Morris was the conduit.
Kevin was tireless in fielding these daily media inquiries, always handled them with patience and tried his best to educate the uneducated when it came to matters of physiology and various injury prognoses. I am glad to say he was a regular listener to our post-game coverage on KSL Radio, and when on occasion he could clarify or update an injury situation, he would not hesitate to contact me, just to make sure I got the story right.
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Taking over for legendary BYU Football Head Trainer George Curtis in 2004, Kevin filled big shoes admirably, and leaves his own legacy of care and professionalism that has resonated with players for years.
Beyond his professional attributes, Kevin's kindness and affability will be the characteristics I remember most, and for which I am most grateful.
Good luck to Kevin Morris and his family!
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