Athletes In Christ


William Morland Sport: Football Team: Western Kentucky University
After a solid high school career, Manatee High School (FL) defensive standout William Morland recently accepted a full football scholarship to Western Kentucky University. When William reports on August 12th, WKU is going to get a whole lot more than a Free Safety/Outside Linebacker that runs a 4.43 (40 yd dash) and who will keep trainers busy tending to ball carriers on Saturday afternoons in the fall. This young man will be a leader in Bowling Green, Ky. His confidence on the field and off comes from the wisdom that has been poured into his soul from Proverbs chapter 3 and the Book of Jeremiah. Will takes heart to not forgetting the teaching that comes from Gods Word. Every play I give God the Glory says Will, This is not my life, I was bought for a price. He has been blessed in deed, on the football field during his junior and senior seasons Will led the Hurricanes in sacks with a combined 38. It wasnt uncommon to see this Prayer Warrior seeking God in all circumstances, including on the sidelines on Friday nights. His spiritual leadership will be missed by the Canes, but he will challenge another Hurricane to Strap It On this year before leaving town for Gods next assignment. You see, Will takes his assignments very seriously One of his favorite Bible verses is Jeremiah 1:5-12. He understands that the call of William is not unlike the call of Jeremiah. He is mature in knowing that the Word of God is in his heart and on his lips and that God has big plans for his life in sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ. William is a member of the Temple of Faith, Deliverance and Salvation Church, where he began his spiritual walk at 15 years old on his moms birthday. He has seen both sides of the track, the good and the bad. He is thankful that his mother was diligent in depositing the Word of God in his moral storehouse. It made his decision that much easier. William, much like Jeremiah, is in major pursuit of knowing God. There is a transforming power that knowing God brings, and Will wants it! For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future. (Jeremiah 29:11) This is where Wills confidence lies. Division 1A programs missed out on the opportunity of having this warrior become apart of their program, WKU gains a proven leader on and off the field. The bloodlines arent bad either; his first cousin Herbert Haygood was a 3rd Round selection of the Denver Broncos. Haygood, a receiver, starred at Sarasota High School (FL) and then at Michigan State University before his shot at the NFL. Part of what William will be remembered by at MHS is not just his gifted athletic ability, but his eagerness to constantly reflect the character of Jesus Christ in all that he does. Coach Dennis Stallard gleams with joy when speaking about the spiritual attitude of his former player. His senior narrator poem went like this; This is my story, this is my song, Praising my Savior all the day long He will be more than a conqueror wherever he goes, his pads may protect his body but Jesus protects his soul! To Will, putting on the Armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-20) is more important than anything football has to offer. Oh, did I mention William sings in his church choir. Previous Athlete Spotlights Jacob Duncan - Baseball: Baltimore Orioles J.R. House - Football / Baseball: West Virginia University Danny Wuerffel - Football: Desire Street Ministries HOUSE STILL ATTRACTING NEW FANS - Baseball: Pittsburgh Pirates House Sponsors Camp - Baseball: Pittsburgh Pirates J.R. House - Baseball: Pittsburgh Pirates Rod Harper - Football: Southeast Seminoles Jennifer Magley - Tennis: Florida Gators Scott McGregor - Baseball: Aberdeen Ironbirds (Baltimore Orioles) Chris Rix - Football: Florida State Seminoles Todd Williams - Football: Florida State Seminoles Jon Kessick - Baseball: Baltimore Orioles Paul McCord - Football: Baltimore Ravens