A native of Elizabethton, Coach Morrell started his wrestling career in 1974 at age seven under the tutelage of Coach John Klock. From there, he won two state freestyle wrestling titles as well as a Southeast Regional Championship and National Finalist, all by age 14. During high school, Coach Morrell moved to Macedonia, OH and wrestled for perennial state powerhouse Nordonia High School, where he was a state placer in both folkstyle and freestyle wrestling. Coach's final years of competition were spent with the Cleveland State Vikings in 1985 and 1986.
Coach Morrell has spent the past fifteen years as a coach, coaching at Pigeon Forge High School and Happy Valley High School, returning to his hometown team in 2018 and leading the Women's Wrestling team to a State Runner-Up finish. At last count, Coach Morrell has coached seven state champions, nine state finalists, 20 state medalists and over 40 state qualifiers. He lives here in Elizabethton with his wife Marie and their five puppies.
