From the 2/18-3/2 edition
Marinette Campus Women’s Basketball Coach/Athletic Director
Tyler Morris moved to Marinette in fall 2019 to coach the Marinette campus women’s basketball team. He also does double-duty for our campus as the Food Service Lead/Catering Manager.The Driftwood talked to Coach Morris about his background and his expectations for the 2020-21 team and our campus cafe.
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I was born and raised in Iowa, then met my wife Melissa. Melissa and I have three children: Mason, the oldest, is nine, followed by a set of twins, Finnley and Elliot, who are both seven.
How did you decide to become a basketball coach?
I received my Elementary Education Degree and taught third, fifth, and sixth grade. Later on, I became a Division Three Assistant Coach for a year, which really made me realize that coaching is what I wanted to do. After receiving an offer to hold the position of head coach for women’s basketball at UW-Green Bay, Marinette, my family and I packed up [our home in Ohio] and headed towards Wisconsin.
We were sad to learn that there would be no Marinette Campus women’s basketball team this year. What are your plans for the future of the team?
I have high intentions for the basketball team in the future! Since I’m not from the area, looking for possible players is pretty challenging. The biggest part of making basketball possible is just reaching out to people. [Campus CEO] Cindy Bailey and the other UW-Green Bay campuses have been extremely supportive throughout the process.
What kind of new items can we expect in the campus cafe?
Back in Ohio, I was the owner of an Italian restaurant “The Flour Mill,” where we made homemade pizzas, pastas, ravioli, you name it! Cooking has always been a big part of me, which made me choose to work in the campus cafe. Watch for new specials and homemade lunches in the future!
Favorite food and why?
PIZZA! Owning an Italian restaurant played a big part in why I love pizza, but after trying “fish-n-chips” [on my honeymoon] in Australia, I’ve become a big fan of that!
—Interview by Breanne Bedgood, Profiles Editor &
Driftwood Social Media Coordinator