SHANNON AND ARNE MORRIS

A Love of Track and Art

Arne and Shannon Morris were two brothers that did things collectively all of their lives. They also achieved their own separate goals, with each supporting the other.

Arne excelled in track. He loved to high jump, setting a record of 6” 4'. Arne took a special interest in his cousin, Danniela, when she showed an interest in track. He took time to coach and support her and loving every minute of it. Danniela is now a 6 time Ironman finisher. He encouraged others to strive for their personal best and to believe in themselves.

Shannon was an avid cyclist. He loved spending time with his Uncle Todd and cycling with him. At the age of 14 Shannon signed up for the Octoberfest 100, which was a 100 mile course. Shannon and his Uncle Todd started the race and somewhere along the way they went off course for about 10 – 15 miles. They turned around, found the correct route, and finished the 100 mile course. Shannon was always one to endure no matter how far he had to go or long it would take. He was the youngest cyclist to finish the Octoberfest 100 that year.

Arne and Shannon were both talented in art. Both showed gifts in drawing, painting, water colors and pastels. Art was not only a love, but a release for both of them and gave them much satisfaction.

Through sports and art Shannon and Arne learned perseverance, personal motivation and goal setting, and creativity. It was the love of what they did that drove them to excel.

The Morris Scholarship in memory of Arne and Shannon Morris, will be awarded to that individual that exhibits these same qualities.

Danniela (Howell) Neher writes: Little things that bring up Huge memories!

Almost 20 years ago, I had lost 2 people in my life. One of them who made me the Athlete I am today!

His name is Arne. Arne and I were so very close he had taken me under his wing and taught me to be a faster runner, a hurdler and a better high jumper. My Birthday is coming up and way, way, way, back when I was in High School I remember being in the gym on my
B-day with Arne; we were practicing High Jumping. Arne was pushing me to Jump 5'2, I was so scared, he would stand on the side of the mat and tell me to run in a half moon and jump in the middle of the bar. Arne would jump this height for practice jumps and he would show me over and over how to do it and Finely I did it! I jump 5'2!!! We practice this all the time, he would tell me your going to get the record for this, keep it up. Track season came and I jumped 5'2 I did it I won that event and the School record. Arne was there with me after my jump, I jumped up gave him a huge hug. I can see that whole race over and over in my head and him smiling at me, telling me "great job, I knew you could do it". When Arne died I stopped track, I didn't want to High Jump, do Hurdles, Run in track races any more. I gave up on those events. He wasn't there to push me to watch me and kick butt. The metal I won at that race I had put it in his coffin. The year Arne died he had also won the High Jump event and received a metal for it. I was there for that race - I'm so lucky to have that metal. To make sure he is with me, I put it on my bike where I can see it. Arne will always be with me when I race and practice not only in spirit. I thank God for those moments in my life just like so many other ones. I'm so grateful for everything I have.

Remember you only have one life live it! I heard this song on TV and it just makes you think of those special people in your life that you have lost.

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