Peter Morrison (SR/Fort Wayne, IN) (JR/Fort Wayne, IN) has been named the 2020-21 Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference (WHAC) A.O. Duer Award recipient. The prestigious award, sponsored by the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and named after former NAIA executive director Al Duer, recognizes a junior female and male student-athlete who excels in character, playing ability, and scholarship. Phoebe LaCroix from Cornerstone earned the female recognition as the two are now forwarded to the NAIA for national consideration.
Morrison has played an integral role for the Cardinals on and off the field. As the starting quarterback and a team captain, Morrison led the Cardinals to a third consecutive NAIA Football Championship Series playoff appearance. He has left his mark on the team since his freshman year serving as a family leader and eventually being voted as a team captain. "Not only does Peter work hard, but he brings out the best in team morale and chemistry," said Head Football Coach Joshua Schumacher. "He has a way of connecting with his teammates and helping them achieve their best. He is eager to sacrifice and serve for the benefit of his neighbor."
Vice President of Administration, Ryan Peterson credited Peter's positive impact among the campus community. "Peter has been a strong citizen and student-athlete since stepping foot on our campus," said Peterson. "He is an encourager to others, a genuine and compassionate individual, and a servant leader. Teammates and classmates alike rally around Peter, as his attitude and energy is contagious. He genuinely cares for each person he interacts with on a daily basis."
In addition to his leadership on the field, Morrison carries a 3.75 GPA while majoring in Accounting. He is a small group leader for Athletes in Action and serves as a student worker in the University's Career Engagement and Industry Relations office. Morrison was also selected to work an experiential learning opportunity in Atlanta for Leadercast, the world's largest one-day leadership event streamed worldwide. He interacted with guests and maintained the social media accounts during the event.
"Peter's combination of hard work and positive attitude has had a tremendous impact on the dynamics of his team and our campus community," said athletics director Lonnie Pries. "He is the type of student-athlete we want to build our programs around."
Morrison, a quarterback for Concordia's football team, made history with his award. The WHAC doesn't sponsor the sport of football, so Concordia plays in the Mid-States Football Association, which makes Morrison the first conference winner from a non-WHAC sport. Morrison was also the nominee last year becoming the first repeat winner for the WHAC.
