ST. PAUL, Minn. - Concordia University Director of Athletics Tom Rubbelke has announced the hiring of "The Superstar" Mike Morris as the Strength & Conditioning Coach for the Golden Bears. Morris will also continue in his role as on-air personality at KFAN-AM 1130 as lead talent on The Power Trip Morning Show on the station along with his Vikings Fanline show with Cory Cove.
"This is an exciting time for our athletes," Rubbelke commented. "Mike has a tremendous reputation not only locally in the Twin Cities, but his background has a national reputation as well. His work in the field allows us to bring a recognized expert in strength & conditioning to campus."
Morris added, "I am truly excited and looking forward to working with the young men and women athletes. I am thankful that Tom Rubbelke reached out to me and provided me with this opportunity. I'm honored and ready to get started!"
Morris brings national credentials to campus with his background in the National Football League (NFL), where he spent 13 years as a special teams standout long snapper (1987-99). He played nine years with the Minnesota Vikings, reaching the 1998 NFC Championship with a squad that finished the regular season with a 15-1 overall record and one of the most prolific offenses in league history.
He also spent time with the Cleveland Browns, Kansas City Chiefs, New England Patriots, Seattle Seahawks and St. Louis Cardinals and played in 188 career games on the gridiron professionally. He was the strongest player in the Cardinals organization in his time with the team.
He played collegiately at Northeast Missouri State, now known as Truman State, which also competes at the NCAA Division II level. He was a four year starter and undrafted free agent signee to the NFL.
Aside from his radio and playing career, Morris founded MILO Barbell Club in Burnsville, Minn. which broadened his career as he's worked with other local athletes at various levels.
Most recently, Morris instructed former Concordia long snapper Josh Rosenthal, not only for long snapping instruction but detailed workouts that allowed Rosenthal to be a steady force on Concordia's special teams unit that reached the Mineral Water Bowl in 2010.
He has also been working with Concordia All-American offensive lineman Tyler Hendrickson, who will enter his senior year with Preseason All-America recognition from multiple outlets as he anchors a strong offensive line.
While he will certainly work with the student-athletes on the football team, his presence at Concordia will transcend football, as Morris will provide his expertise to all 15 Golden Bear athletic teams.