Jason Morris goes his own way

The town of Glenville, where USA Judo legend Jason Morris grew up and now resides, honored him on Saturday, July 15th, by naming a street "Jason Morris Way." This year represents the 25th year anniversary of Morris winning an Olympic Silver Medal (78kg) in Barcelona, Spain.

This year also represents the anniversary of the death of Jason's father, Bernie, who was in Barcelona to watch his son's amazing performance. Morris, who turned 50 in February, was also celebrated by the New York Athletic Club (NYAC) at this year's NY Open awarding him their prestigious "Lifetime Achievement" Award.

Morris is a 4x Olympian (1988, 1992, 1996, 2000) as well as being the Head Coach of the 2008 Olympic Team. "We are thrilled to honor our own home town hero, Jason Morris" Town of Glenville Supervisor, Chirs Koetzle, stated. After Morris retired in 2000 he decided to open the Jason Morris Judo Center (JMJC) with wife, Teri Takemori, and stay in Glenville. The JMJC has since become world renowned and remains one of USA Judo's top resources for developing elite-level players. Jason and Teri reside in Glenville with their seven year old twins, Randi and Danica.

The dedication event included a meet and greet with Jason, the unveiling of the street sign and kiosk to be displayed in the park, followed by a Judo demonstration led by 5x USA Judo World team member, Nick Kossor with the assistance of the Morris twins. Kossor then joined local recording artist, the "Dan Wos Project," on stage for a musical performance. Kossor is currently the guitarist for the rock band, Hard Soul. All who attended were treated to a terrific rock and roll show and got even better when they were then joined by special guest Johnny Gioeli, who is the lead singer of internationally renowned hard rock bands, Hardline and Axel Rudi Pell. Gioeli's voice and stage presence was phenomenal as he sang "Dr Love" and "Rhythm From A Red Car" from Hardline's 1992 release "Double Eclipse," then closed the show with "Rock and Roll All Night" from Kiss.The MC for the event was Rodger Wyland channel 13 and ESPN radio.