By Matt Browning

Morgan Becker of Canton-Galva was voted the Salina Area Preseason Boys Track Athlete of the Year. Becker placed 6th in the 3200 meters at the 1A State Tournament last season.

“I know there are a lot of other athletes that would be very deserving of this, so it makes me feel accomplished that I received the most votes,” Becker said. “I have been working hard for the past four years and I also know that other athletes have been working just as hard, so it puts a little bit of pressure on me to perform well, which I enjoy.”

Becker dealt with some health issues over the offseason so he was unable to train the way he would have liked.

“I wasn’t able to do much running over the offseason due to some health issues, but I worked on getting stronger and more explosive in the weight room,” Becker said. “My individual goals are to improve in every event I did last year and make it to state. As a team my goal would be for us to win our league meet.”

Becker, a senior, has also run cross country for four years and participates in robotics.

Next year Becker plans to continue his running career at Washburn and study physical therapy.