Schaumburg's Morrison poised for success
Schaumburg's Travis Morrison probably spent more time on the elliptical trainer in his first three years than on the cross country courses.
But the senior changed that this year to become a major force for the Saxons.
Last Saturday, Morrison finished fourth at the Mid-Suburban League meet, leading Schaumburg to second place.
Now the Saxons and Morrison are hoping to make some noise in the postseason.
It has been a long path for Morrison as he dealt with four stress fractures in his first three years, derailing his cross country and track seasons.
It was a stress fracture in his heels his freshman year and then one in his left shin. The big one was his sophomore year in his hip.
The doctors discovered he had osteopenia. His bones weren't absorbing enough calcium, which led to his stress fractures.
Morrison's bones have been strengthened by calcium supplements, allowing him to have his best season.
“This is the longest he's run in a cross country season his entire career,” said Schaumburg coach Jim Macnider. “He was never able to complete a season in anything.”
Morrison is not only on course to complete a season but he is on target to for all-state honors.
Morrison has had plenty of success this season, including a second-place finish at the Lake Park Invitational and a first-place finish at the Bartlett Invitational.
“If he keeps rolling and improving he definitely has a chance to finish in the top 25 at state,” added Macnider.
Morrison was in the hunt for the MSL title halfway through the race, but could not match the winning move of Barrington junior Erik Peterson.
“I have no regrets with that race,” Morrison said. “I'm excited to see them again at sectionals and hopefully I'll be mentally prepared. I just have to stick my nose in it.”
Morrison and the Saxons also have bit of extra motivation heading into the postseason.
Macnider will be stepping down after 38 years as head coach for the Saxons. He has coached 24 state qualifying teams, with three titles, nine top-three trophies and 18 top-10 finishes.
Morrison and the Saxons are hoping to send Macnider out on a high note.
Last year before the state meet, Macnider showed his team the Saxons' record book and everything past teams had accomplished. But the Schaumburg coach left one page blank.
“He said it was time to write our own history,” said Morrison, “He has set such a high standard, and it would mean a lot to live up to it.”