Latest news with #GrantMorgan
The Herald
4 days ago
- Sport
- The Herald
Top coach returns to his alma mater to give back to cricket
The cricketing career of former Eastern Province player and SA schools vice-captain Grant Morgan will turn full circle when he takes up his position as head of cricket at Grey High School in August. The 54-year-old, who started his schooling at Summerwood Primary but matriculated from Grey High in 1989, is thrilled at the prospect of returning to his alma mater after years travelling the international cricket circuit, firstly as a player with fantastic fighting qualities and then as a top-rated coach. And he will have a special message to deliver to the Grey cricketers when he takes up his position on August 1, and that is to 'enjoy your cricket'. Having experienced the sport on a wide range of levels, Morgan believes it is important not to forget the fundamental reasons behind playing the game. 'Sometimes we forget that we need to go out there and to enjoy ourselves,' he said in an interview after his appointment was announced. 'For sure, we go out there to train to try win your matches, but it doesn't come at all costs, and we must never lose sight of the fact that we need to enjoy playing the game. 'Of course, sometimes you will enjoy it best when you work hard and you grind your way to success. 'You have to work hard to be successful in any sport, but that sort of grind sets you up to build the mental strength you need to succeed.' With decades of experience behind him, Morgan has realised that there is no magic wand he can wave to achieve success. 'There is no fancy solution to coaching and to playing — you just have to keep working hard at your craft and hopefully you have things in your armoury that can help cricketers to develop into the best players they can be,' he said. 'I am happy that the teams I have worked have always shown progress and I don't say that in an arrogant way, just that I go into the job with the confidence of getting the best out of others.' He described himself as a 'blue collar coach' who is ready to work as hard as he can to extend his knowledge to others. Morgan has especially fond memories of his childhood in Gqeberha, particularly when Summerwood Primary (1978-1984) could challenge Grey Junior, 'sometimes at cricket but even more so at rugby'. Now, as family responsibilities bring him back to his hometown, he cannot think of a better place to continue his coaching journey. 'I have worked extensively around the world and in SA and it's really about what I want to achieve at this stage,' Morgan said. 'And where better to build a legacy of my huge passion for coaching than being an influence at my old school and trying to make a difference to the children there. 'I received so much support myself from some legendary educators during my time at Grey that this is a chance to pay it back to those people, and also to pay it forward to the current group of Grey cricketers, as well as those in the future who will choose this journey.'
News.com.au
07-05-2025
- Sport
- News.com.au
‘Grey horse syndrome': Bois D'argent owner surprised by lack of respect for defending Doomben Cup champ ahead of Hollindale Stakes
Bois D'argent will ramp up his mission to defend his Group 1 Doomben Cup crown on Saturday and syndicator Grant Morgan has a strong suspicion why he is rarely respected in betting markets. Noted frontrunner Bois D'argent won the Doomben Cup as a $26 roughie last year and is rarely sent out under double figures in betting. There are some people – particularly female punters – who like backing grey horses. But Morgan feels the colour of the stayer – combined with the fact he is eight years old – means he is rarely fancied by bookmakers or punters. 'I think it's grey horse syndrome,' Morgan said. 'People do look at grey horses differently and, in respect to his age, I heard him referred to somewhere as an old warrior. 'Yes, his age is eight if you look at the race book. 'But because of differences between hemispheres, imports like this horse essentially lose a year when they come across on the plane. 'Our perceptions of the ages of horses, given there are so many Europeans in our system, should change. 'Eight is actually probably the peak of their powers, especially for a horse like him who didn't race as a two year old. 'People perceive this horse as an old horse who is trying hard, but in reality he is a high-class horse.' Bois D'argent was originally prepared by Francis-Henri Grafford at Chantilly and once owned by French soccer star Ecurie Lenglet. He has been a fantastic find for Morgan and trainers Annabel and Rob Archibald. Morgan, the CEO of Ontrack Thoroughbreds which famously syndicated star colt Brazen Beau, said Bois D'argent would take his place in the Group 2 Hollindale Stakes (1800m) on the Gold Coast on Saturday. It is an entree to the main course of the Doomben Cup a fortnight later. With Bois D'argent having claimed the Group 3 JRA Plate (2000m) at Randwick last start, Morgan said the grey gelding was going just as well as when arriving in the Sunshine State last year. 'On the ratings database I use, he is on par at this stage compared to the same stage last year,' Morgan said. 'But to the eye, he looks to be going better than he was. 'He is a happy and healthy horse, like most horses when they come to Queensland they thrive a little bit more. 'Hopefully he can find a few more lengths. 'On Saturday, 1800m is probably short of his best and if there is wet weather it is a bit of a concern.'
Yahoo
31-01-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Report: Giants expected to hire Illinois assistant Grant Morgan
The New York Giants lost defensive assistant Zak Kuhr late last week but have already found themselves a replacement. Matt Zenitz of CBS Sports reports that the Giants are expected to hire Illinois assistant linebackers coach Grant Morgan. Morgan, 27, has spent the past two seasons with Illinois, first as a graduate assistant and then as the assistant linebackers coach. Before joining the Fighting Illini, Morgan had a very brief cup of coffee in the NFL. He was signed by the Jacksonville Jaguars as an undrafted rookie free agent in 2022 and initially made their practice squad. However, he was released a day after their Week 1 loss to the Washington Commanders that year. Morgan had a stellar career at Arkansas, earning First-Team All-SEC and Second-Team All-American honors in 2020. In 2021, he won the Burlsworth Trophy, given to the most outstanding FBS player who began his career as a walk-on. In 58 career games at the college level, Morgan recorded 313 tackles (119 solo, 25 for a loss), one forced fumble, 4.5 sacks, 11 passes defensed, two interceptions, and one defensive touchdown. Giants' Tyler Nubin says he'll 'return ready to lead' in 2025 2025 NFL draft: Giants select 'alpha-dog' in latest Bucky Brooks mock CBS Sports names Malik Nabers the Giants' MVP of 2024 This article originally appeared on Giants Wire: Report: Giants expected to hire Illinois assistant Grant Morgan
