Taking the principal job at the K-12 Norwich school was a chance for former Larned High School athletic director Wayne Morrow to return where it all started for him.
“That was where I started in 1981,” Morrow said. “I was a teacher and coach there straight out of college. I’m kind of looking forward to the opportunity.”
Norwich is closer to family for Morrow.
“I’ve got family in Wichita,” Morrow said. “It’ll be nice to live closer to my grandson.”
Morrow said that timing was important to his decision as well.
“I just felt that the timing was right,” Morrow said. “I’ve got my administration certificate, and if I’m going use it, I better start now.”
Morrow has been with Larned for seven years, including three years as the head basketball coach.
“I moved around a whole lot for coaching,” Morrow said. “I started at a Class 1A school and went up to 6A schools, and then I came out here to Larned for an opportunity.
“The only reason I’d think about leaving Larned is to be closer to my family. Aside from my faith, my family is the most important thing to me, so that is the only reason that I would think about leaving. Larned has been great to me.”
Now, Morrow said he’s looking forward to a chance to lead again.
“I think that’s part of it,” Morrow said. “I miss the leadership that comes with coaching. I haven’t coached for a few years now, and I’m getting a little bit older, so I decided to go with building leadership instead of coaching.”
Morrow said he thought he was leaving the Indians athletic department in good shape as it prepares to enter the Central Kansas League in two years.
“I wanted to get Larned into a position to make a run,” Morrow said. “We’ve got good coaches, a new league and some good kids coming in. I think the program is heading in the right direction with the right coaches in place.”
Larned will be joining the CKL with Hoisington after the Mid-Central Activities Association seperates in 2014.