CHARLESTOWN, Nevis-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 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 included 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. Carlyse Powell, and after consultation Morton was recommended for the scholarship.
During his two year tenure at the UTT Morton was instrumental in assisting his team to win in both the A and B division. 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’s 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 line up 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, Morton believes that he still has quite a bit more to offer to Nevis cricket.
