SYLACAUGA, Ala. – Sylacauga High School track star Morgan O’Neal received a surprise honor at last week’s high school pep rally. Principal Chad Murphy and Track Coach Derrick Crawford presented Miss O’Neal with a state championship ring for titles she won last spring for jumping hurdles.
O’Neal won two Alabama state championship titles for the Aggies last spring as a junior for the 400m and 300m hurdles. During her sophomore year, she won the 400m, 300m hurdles, and 100m hurdles. In the 2017 state championships, she beat her previous time in the 300m hurdles and set a new state record.
Currently ranked 6th in the nation in the 300m hurdles, Coach Crawford described her as a “phenom.” He also commented, “Along with her incredible athletic ability and speed, Morgan also has a strong grade point average. She has a bright future ahead.”
In addition to Coach Crawford, Coach Terrance Wilson has been very influential in Morgan’s success. He started training with O’Neal when she was just a freshman. Both Wilson and Crawford saw a natural talent in Morgan and have helped her evolve into the impressive athlete that she is today.
Morgan is the daughter of Valencia and Derrick O’Neal. She said of her parents, “I owe so much thanks to them, as well as to my coaches. They plan their schedules around my track meets.”
O’Neal is being highly recruited by many colleges and universities from around the country including West Point Academy, University of West Virginia, and the University of Georgia.
Morgan O’Neal’s competitive drive is best summed up in her own words, “Striding for Success; Destined for Greatness.” Her state championship ring is evidence of those goals.
Check out this picture of her state title ring.
Kim Ellison for SylacaugaNews.com | © 2017, SylacaugaNews.com/Marble City Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
