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| Curtis Morton
Jr |
Nevisian fast bowler
Curtis Morton Jr created history when he became the
first Nevisian cricketer and indeed the first Leeward
Islander to graduate from the University of Trinidad
and Tobago as a result of a cricket scholarship.
Just over two years
ago, Morton was spotted by former West Indies player
Larry Gomes who is also one of the Cricket coaches
at the University. This was during the West Indies
Under 19 tournament at that time being played in St.
Kitts. Gomes approached Ronald Powell, former Leewards
player and then manager of the Leewards Under 19 team
and indicated that he was looking for a player to
fulfill the scholarship requirements. The player not
only needed to possess the obvious cricketing ability
but also high on the priority list, was a solid academic
base. Morton with his seven CXC passes which include
two distinctions became a serious candidate for the
scholarship, especially after performing creditably
in the under 19 tournament.
Ronald Powell recently
indicated that after he was approached by Gomes, he
made a few calls, one of which was made to the Hon
Carlysle Powell and after consultation Morton was
recommended for the scholarship.During his two year
tenure at UTT Morton was instrumental in assisting
his team to win in both the A and B divisions. He
was one of his team's lead bowlers, collecting no
fewer than four five-wicket hauls in an innings. His
team has now qualified for the Premier division.
The graduation ceremony
was held on the evening of Saturday 16th January,
with much pomp and ceremony as approximately 587 students
graduated from courses ranging from certificate accreditation
up to masters degrees. The University which focuses
on technical subjects provides courses in such areas
as sports studies, chemical engineering, computer
and Information systems, maritime operations, animal
health, agriculture, electrical engineering and many
more.
Curtis Morton Jr graduated
with a diploma in electrical engineering and qualified
to go on to do the bachelor degree but declined until
further notice, as he indicated that he is presently
working on some other personal goals before he resumes
his studies. Meantime, he is presently employed with
the Nevis Electricity Company popularly known as NEVLEC.
As regards the future
of his cricketing career, Morton is still smarting
from the fact that he was included in the recent Nevis
Nagico team lineup and was the only player not to
play in a single game. He is, however, willing to
reassess the way forward as he prepares for the upcoming
local cricket season.Just twenty-one, he believes
that he still has quite a bit more to offer to Nevis
cricket.
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