Local laxer earns accolade
Tioháhes Morris stands proudly with his parents, Amanda Diabo and Craig Morris, after receiving the prestigious Chuck Rowan Award, becoming the first Kahnawake minor lacrosse player to earn the honour. Courtesy Courtesy Kahnawake Mohawks Minor Lacrosse Association
The Kahnawake Mohawks Minor Lacrosse Association (KMMLA) was proud to announce that one of its own, Tioháhes Morris, has made history as the first Kahnawake player ever to receive the esteemed Chuck Rowan Award.
This annual honour, awarded since 1966 by the Ontario Lacrosse Association, recognizes an Intermediate player who demonstrates exceptional skill in box lacrosse, combined with outstanding citizenship and academic excellence.
Kahsennenhawi Kirby, a board member of KMMLA, described Morris as the embodiment of what the association strives to nurture in young athletes.
“He’s been playing minor lacrosse since he was probably five years old. He started at the takeout level,” Kirby said. “He grew through the years. He graduated this year out of the U17, and now he’s with the Junior level.”
Kirby said Morris’ leadership and composure on the floor have always stood out. “He’s a really good kid on and off the floor. He’s a real team player. When he comes on the floor, he’s not just trying to score all the goals. He’s trying to make his team a part of it. He’s committed. He’s dedicated to growing his skills every day, at home, working out, and eating healthy.”
The Chuck Rowan Award also recognizes academic excellence and community involvement, both of which Morris has consistently demonstrated.
“Tioháhes has been in grade 10 now, and he’s been on the honour roll since grade seven in high school,” Kirby said. “He’s also supportive in the community with our Fall Ball league. He’s on the bench helping the younger players. He even helps his younger brother, who’s learning the game.”
Along with the honour comes a $1,000 bursary to help with future educational goals. Kirby expressed hope that Morris’s success will inspire others. “Everyone looks up to him, and it really gave him a boost of confidence.”
For Morris, learning that he won came as a surprise and a validation of his dedication.
“It felt pretty good. I didn’t really know it existed,” he said. “But you know, coming home from school and hearing that is definitely something that will make your day better.”
The award also holds a deeper meaning for Morris, who sees it as a symbol of perseverance.
“It kind of just reminds me of the times when I was struggling with confidence in school, and to keep going,” he said. “When you’re at your lowest, when you don’t believe in yourself, it just kind of reminds you to keep going as long as you can. There’s always better waiting for you to keep pushing through adversity.”
That perseverance, Morris said, is fuelled by purpose and inspiration.
“I just always wanted to be that person that people looked up to, and I always just wanted to be at the highest level,” he said. “It just reminds me why I’m doing it, and I’m pushing harder every single day, looking for the people out there who can play or who would give anything to be in my spot right now. Just keep things moving forward and inspiring other people.”
He credits his parents and coaches for shaping his path.
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“Definitely, my parents pushed me a lot to keep moving forward, to just go for it,” he said. “Almost all my coaches have said the same thing to me, that I should keep going, that I’m young, and just to live it to the fullest, because at the end of the day, it’s all about the memories and the moments I’ve had.”
His mother, Amanda Diabo, said hearing the news brought tears to her eyes.
“Oh my God, I honestly cried. I felt extremely proud and happy for him,” she said. “He’s been an all-around great kid, a great human being. I’m so proud of how he conducts himself both on and off the floor. He’s an amazing lacrosse player. He’s an outstanding student. I couldn’t be more happy.”
