Clayton News Daily

By Doug Gorman

dgorman@news-daily.com

Recent Morrow graduate Tyson Bonner's cross country and track career began kind of by accident.

Bonner's physical education teacher recognized his ability to run long distances and introduced him to Morrow track coach Sam Pennypacker.

That started Bonner on the road to a standout cross country and track career.

"I didn't know a whole lot about running back then," said Bonner.

He does now, and his success as a long-distance runner has paid off in the form of a college scholarship to Albany State.

"I really like the track team there," he said. "It's a friendly environment, and it seems like family."

Bonner is scheduled to run the 800, 1,500 and on one of the relay teams once he gets to college.

He follows in the footsteps of former Morrow track and field standout Greg Bolden is also at Albany State.

Bolden recently captured two NCAA Division II national titles, winning the 100 meters and participating on the winning 4x100 relay team.

"I'm very excited," said his mother Alleasia Cameron. "It's close enough, if we get bored, we can go see him, and he can't get home too."

Pennypacker says he isn't surprised Bonner has the chance to compete at the next level.

"He is not afraid to put in the miles it takes to be a long distance runner," he said. "If you tell him to go on a 10-mile run, he is not intimidated by that."

Bonner is the second member of the 2005 Morrow track team to sign a scholarship.

Earlier this year, Michael Proctor signed with the University Georgia. Willie Camaron is happy his son is getting the chance to trade his athletic skills into a college education.

"I put a great deal of emphasis on education," he said. "Football and track are important, but getting the chance to get an education is what it's all about."