A few weeks ago, Maximum Output Coach Stan Edwards alerted me that this day
would be coming. Morgan Trent is one of Stan’s prized pupils. The former
Michigan great pointed to the Don Mitchell Roosevelt Memorial track meet as
an opportunity to gauge exactly where the young phenom was in his development.
Recognized as one of the top Midwestern meets every year, the 2004 Don Mitchell
was loaded with 177 athletes hailing from 6 different states.
What made this event so exciting was the match-up between Trent and future
OSU cornerback Ted Ginn Jr. Morgan, who traveled to Dayton’s Welcome Stadium
representing Orchard Lake St. Mary’s, wasn’t in friendly territory
deep in Buckeye country (as he would soon find out). Ginn Jr. had just out-dueled
Trotwood Madison’s Zach Logan in the 400-m race an hour before the 200-m
showdown with an impressive time of 47.47. (Logan, who was barely edged out
with a time of 48.48, is the defending 400m champ in Ohio and will be playing
his college football at Purdue). Morgan secured the 100-m title in a time of
10.54 ninety minutes before the 200, and when it came time for him to take his
shot at the Glenville speedster, he was ready.
Morgan Trent
Lets set the scene. In a 200-m race, the runners are staggered. In lanes 3,
4, and 5 were Logan, Trent, and Ginn Jr. Knowing that he was racing against
two very fast opponents, Morgan felt it very crucial to get out of the blocks
quickly. “That was very important,” Morgan said of getting off to
a good start. “Logan was behind me, so I couldn’t see him, but Ginn
was right in front of me. I got out of the blocks very well and I caught Ginn
in the first three or four steps. A few steps later I didn’t see anyone
and I felt confident that no one would catch me!” Morgan beat Ginn Jr.
(and Logan) to the tape in an outstanding time of 21.41…doing what some
thought was improbable in beating Glenville star. The future Buckeye’s
time was nothing to scoff at though. He still managed to run the 200-m in 21.72
seconds. Trent told the Dayton Daily News’ Mark Gokavi that he was impressed
with each of his future Big Ten opponents. “They're both quick,"
said Trent to Gokavi. "I know how the 400 takes something out of you, too."
Morgan displays his trophies
Photo Courtesy of Tina Trent
To go along with his accomplishments in the 200 and 400, Ginn Jr. also took
home first place in the 110m hurdles (with a time of 13.84) and anchored Glenville’s
first place 1600-m relay team. His efforts earned him the meet’s Most
Valuable Runner prize for accumulating the most points. After Ginn Jr. was presented
his award at midfield, the announcer mentioned that standing before him was
a future Buckeye. The Scarlet and Grey applause was plentiful. Then came time
for Morgan to receive his award as the meet’s Most Outstanding Runner.
When Morgan was called to the center, the announcer mentioned that he would
be spending his college days on the gridiron at the University of Michigan.
The mere mention of the Maize and Blue draws scowls in Buckeyeland, so the boos
rained down on the future Michigan Man. Still, the competitive ribbing of the
partisan crowd didn’t phase Morgan according to his mom, Tina Trent. “Morgan
wore it like a badge of honor,” said Mrs. Trent. “He said it was
the best part of the entire day.” Morgan later added, “it was actually
kind of funny!”
Morgan will be on The Michigan
Insiders Radio Hour next week from 9-10 am on WTKA 1050.