High School Heroes: Stories of Inspiration, Dedication, and Hope

High school sports might be the last arena in which athletes compete for the sheer joy of playing; like the tennis player who pounds balls daily on a court surrounded by the realities of a declining neighborhood; or the swimmers who are in the pool at five in the morning tired, but ready to go; or the basketball team that stays together in the face of twelve straight losses and cherishes their first win. David Morgan, a northeast Ohio sports writer, has put together a collection of stories-even a few about Lebron James-that have touched his heart and soul. Still, most of the players, coaches, and other people you'll meet are just working hard. They don't view their actions as remarkable, but they are.

David Lee Morgan, Jr. has been a sports reporter for the Akron Beacon Journal since 1995. He has won several awards for his coverage of high school sports, including the James A. Sutherland Award, given to the top rookie reporter in northeast Ohio. He is a former high school and collegiate athlete.