Longtime Perham Yellowjacket Head Cross Country Coach Jeff Morris will have to make room in his trophy case for another prestigious honor. It was announced by the Minnesota Cross Country Coaches Association that Morris will be inducted into its Hall of Fame on Sunday, July 20 at its ceremony at 4 p.m.   

“When I found out I was being inducted into the Hall of Fame, I was completely overwhelmed,” Morris said. “It was such a powerful mix of emotions– excitement, gratitude, and deep humility. 

To be recognized in this way, alongside so many individuals I respect and admire, is truly an honor. It made me reflect on all the people who have supported me along the way and the journey that brought me here. It is something I will never forget.”  

The induction into the MCCCA Hall of Fame comes the year after he was named the National High School Athletic Coaches Association Coach of the Year. Morris has been at the forefront of the Yellowjacket Cross Country Program for 23 of his 25 years in coaching. He coached two seasons at Western Harnett High School in Lillington, North Carolina, prior to his tenure in Perham.   

During his tenure with the Yellowjackets, Morris was named State Coach of the Year in 2003 and 2012 and has been named Section Coach of the Year 14 times in boys’ and girls’ cross country. He has coached the Yellowjacket boys to eight state championships and the girls to five state championships during his tenure. The girls team has made 21 state tournament appearances,
while the boys have made 22 state tournament appearances. 

He has coached four individual state champions in cross country, as well as a National Nike Cross Country Qualifier.   

Morris said receiving the honor is incredibly meaningful because it reflects not just personal recognition but the overall strength of the program, including the relationships built over the years.  

“My philosophy has always been about more than just performance–it’s about creating a team culture where every athlete feels seen, valued and part of something bigger than themselves,” Morris said. “In cross country, we emphasize family, support and growth, and this recognition speaks to the success of that approach. It is a tribute to all the athletes who have bought into that vision and helped shape the program into what it is today.”  

Morris said his success as a coach starts with his faith. He said coaching is not about helping kids run faster–it is about helping them grow into who they are meant to be. He added that he has been blessed to have his wife, Kay Morris, by his side as an assistant coach. Along with Kay, Morris is grateful for his assistants that he has worked with throughout the years in Brent Hanson, Penny Birkeland, Alissa Lepp and Laura Nyhus. Morris said it is a humbling feeling thinking about the impact he has had on many of the athletes he has coached throughout his tenure.  

“More than anything, I just feel a deep sense of peace and purpose. I have always believed that coaching was not just a career–it was a calling,” Morris said. “I know, without a doubt, that I have been exactly where God wanted me all these years. Walking in that calling has brought so much fulfillment, and it has been an honor to serve the Perham community and the cross country world in this way. If lives have been touched or changed along the way, then I am grateful God used me in that process.”  

Morris said he is thankful for Fred Sailer, who played a role in hiring Morris at Perham High School and is grateful for the support from Erin Anderson and the current administration.   

“I am incredibly appreciative of every athlete I have had the privilege to coach. I am truly  thankful for the opportunity to be a part of something so special,” Morris said.  

The Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony takes place on Sunday, July 20 and is open to the public. 

The event begins at 4 p.m. at the Grand Event Center in Northfield, Minn.