TBR Interview- Preston Morrison Cuthbertson/TCU

Preston is not only a talented baseball player but an outstanding student as well. I thought it was interesting to find out why someone would choose a school so far away--note: TCU is a premiere baseball school--and how they made the connection.

Preston attends Cuthbertson High School and is teammates with many college commits and prospects. We haven't done a TBR interview in awhile and I thought this would be a good way to start the new year. I hope everyone enjoys this because it gives us a window of who Preston Morrison is--a great kid, a great talent, a great student and a young man you would be proud to have as your son. Congratulations to Tim and Denise for raising such a fine young man- something that, at times, is under-appreciated.

 

You have decided to join a baseball powerhouse in TCU. How did you arrive at this decision?

It all happened pretty fast for me. Within the span of about a month everything just fell together with TCU. Coach Schlossnagle and Coach Mazey of TCU saw me pitch at the WWBA National Championships in Atlanta, Georgia. They had originally showed up to watch the two Texas teams I pitched against. We kept in touch over the next month and they invited me down to Fort Worth to take a look at everything. I feel that TCU has the complete package: top academics, incredible baseball program, and great atmosphere. And when I received my offer in August it was a chance I couldn’t pass up.

Tell us about your experience with the On Deck Program?

I joined On Deck’s Grey Team following my freshman year. It was a different experience for me as the program was all about preparation for the next level, not just winning. I graduated the next year to the Orange Team, and this past year to the Black Team. My team’s coaches, and instructors at On Deck, have taught me how to be the pitcher I am so far. It’s an experience that I will always be grateful for. This season was all about preparing ourselves for the Perfect Game events in Atlanta and Jupiter.

What you and your teammates have accomplished at a new school, Cuthbertson, has been amazing. It appears every senior has committed somewhere to college. What has that been like?

I think it all started with our coach, Travis Little, who has set the tone for the program: everyone plays loose and all out all the time. He was the head coach at Montreat College and I think we got college level instruction on a high school field. Our team has great chemistry and that’s another reason for the instant success of our program. It’s fun to go out and play for my coaches and teammates. It doesn’t hurt to have the talent we do in Peter Hendel (UNC), Cameron Tekker (UVA), John Mangum, and JD Long (WCU).


What will Cuthbertson need to do to win the State Championship this year?

I think we will, first off, need to stay healthy in order for us to use all of players. We will also need to remember what it felt like to lose in the playoffs last year. And we will just have to have that hunger and never be satisfied attitude in order to get a ring.

What advice would you give to a young player?

I really think that many people place too much importance on travel baseball at the young ages. I never made my middle school baseball team and I feel like there is too much importance put into this kind of ball. I don’t think an 8th grader, or even a freshman, needs to be worried about playing for an elite travel team because college coaches don’t even really start the recruiting process until sophomore year or junior year. At a young age, I think the game needs to be about learning the fundamentals and developing a love for the game.

Whom has been your biggest influence in baseball and life?

I’ve had a lot of great baseball coaches over the years. But my Carolina Tar Heels travel coaches mean a lot to me. I played for Jeff Seager, Jeff Thornton, and Vance Tiller after not making my middle school team. At the time I was not as confident in my abilities and they gave me the instruction I needed. Playing for them and with those guys was a blast. I also have to thank my dad for being so supportive of my baseball pursuits. He was always willing to throw or hit with me. And he always asked if I wanted to do something, he wanted everything to be up to me.

What do you like to do during your limited free time?

I am a big fan of college football and basketball. I also love to play basketball; I played when I was younger and it is always fun for me to play. Right now I play in a church league with my high school buds I’ve played with since I was eight or so.

Favorite food?

I love my mom’s frozen oreo pie. It’s an ice cream and oreo dessert and she makes it often for holidays and special occasions.

Favorite movie?

I like comedies, so I really enjoyed Sherlock Holmes. It was a nice combination of the humor Robert Downey Jr. and the mystery of Sherlock Holmes.

If I asked your teammates about Preston Morrison, what do you think they would say about you?

Hopefully, that I am just a guy who goes out there and does his job to give his team a chance to win each game.

What are your goals?

My goal is to enjoy my last high school season, hopefully with a state championship while going undefeated

Is there anything you would like to say to the members of TBR?

I realize that the TBR site is a great resource for those who enjoy the game for communication in the baseball world. I say that this is a great game and so enjoy it.

 

Character, Courage, Commitment

Great Interview with a Great Success Story -and Greater Kid.

PM is the poster child for the three C's: Character, Courage and Commitment. Determined and undaunted, PM listened carefully to what Coach Seager taught...."hard work beats talent when talent doesn't work hard." He worked hard and EARNED his shot - then made the most of it.

I recently heard some wise advice from a well-respected HS coach in NC --- speaking to a group of players, he was asked "what would you recommend to prospects?" His response - "when they show up, play good."

TCU is getting a great athlete and great student (he's a smart one!).

He is a quiet young man, but anyone who knows him knows how funny he is. You have to listen carefully, but when he let's a one-liner go it will knock you off your chair!

As I said when PM committed, it makes my heart grow with pride to know him and his family. Tim and Denise have raised an amazing family. Character, Courage and Commitment are fully embedded in the Morrison foundation.

Braves, you may want to go ahead and line up an interview with PM's little brother! Spike is sure to be on the charts before long.

BTW, if Cuthbertson doesn't blitz the field this year...there will be crying in baseball.....what a great group of kids and an awesome coach...will be fun to watch.

 

Braves - You picked a great kid to inteview for TBR. Good head on his shoulders and has always been very humble in everything he has accomplished on the ball field.
We've had the pleasure of knowing Preston and his family for the past 6 years and to see his progression was tremendous. To watch his ball movement off the mound is something to behold. His HS Coach, Travis Little, always said he was the cerebral one in the bunch out of all the pitchers on the team at Cuthbertson. He always hits his spots and can really mess with the hitters minds.
Thanks again for taking the time to do this as an example of what could happen when you really put your mind to it! PM certainly does deserve everything he has gained over his young life.

Baylee - You are right on about Preston and everything else. That was one of the best and most laidback lines by a HS Coach..."When they show up, play good." Preston did just that! Lastly, Cuthbertson does have some good talent and a number of D1 prospects and it would be a shame if we don't make it further this year than last. More to follow on that!

 

wonderful! Thanks for sharing....

 

While going undefeated

What are your goals?

My goal is to enjoy my last high school season, hopefully with a state championship while going undefeated

I like that part!

 

Congratulations to Preston and his family. While is a very good ball player, he is a better person. I've watched him play ball from his early years at WCWAA and I look forward to adding TCU to my list of teams to keep up with next season.

While I appreciate his desire to go undefeated in his senior season, I'll be looking for them to only have one loss.....at Weddington.