By Myra Bean

Morrie Turner of Batesville was sporting his medal from the 2010 NJCAA Track and Field Nationals. Turner placed sixth in the long jump with a personal best jump of 24’33/4”.

Going into the nationals Turner was 30th in the rankings. The Hinds Community College freshman was named Coaches Association All-American and an Academic All-American with a 3.1 GPA.

The jump beat his last personal best by nine inches.

The nationals were held in Hutchison, Kan. May 20-22.

This past season he has a first place finish at the University of Louisiana-Monroe track and field meet.

“Hinds competes against D1 universities,” Turner said.

Before going to nationals, he jumped 23’6” and placed third at Mississippi College, which is the standard. This jump at nationals is above the standards to qualify Turner for a scholarship at a SEC school after he completes his sophomore year at Hinds.

The 2009 South Panola graduate participated in the World Junior Olympics last summer and returned with a gold, silver and two bronze medals. He won the gold in the long jump.

Turner announced then that he planned to compete for a spot on the 2012 Olympic team and said he is on pace if he keeps gaining like he is. The 2012 games will be held in London.

Turner is majoring in secondary education and hopes to coach one day.

“After my track career is over with, I plan to pass what I know down to someone else,” Turner said.

Turner is getting some attention from Mississippi State where he wants to go, but other schools are also making some offers. He will take a look at those and see who has the best offer before he settles on a decision. Turner is the son of Tonya and Cecil Creekmore and Morrie Turner, all of Batesville. He is the grandson of Margaret and James Fox, also of Batesville.