Morgan Steven receives track scholarship, marks milestone
Morgan Steve stops by the Choctaw Nation headquarters in Durant on her way to begin her freshman year at Bacone College. Pictured are Assistant Chief Gary Batton, Cultural Resources Executive Director Sue Folsom, Kerry Steve, Morgan Steve and Chief Gregory E. Pyle.
Morgan Steve of Durant signed her letter of intent and became the first Native American female to receive a track scholarship to Bacone College in Muskogee. Steve, a 2013 graduate of Durant High School, caught the eye of Bacone officials during the recent Jim Thorpe Native American Games in Oklahoma City where she won gold in both the shot put and discus.
While in high school, Steve lettered in softball three years, basketball four years and track and field four years. She is a two-time recipient of the Champions of Character award for basketball and was on the Principal’s Honor Roll. She finished seventh at the 5A state championship and was signed to Bacone’s newly created American Indian Athletes of Promise.
Bacone Track and Field Head Coach Darrin Prince said Steve is not only great on the track but is an outstanding student in the classroom. “These are two key pieces in building a strong women’s track team both at the conference level and at the national level that is on par with the success of our men’s program,” he said.
Steve is the daughter of Morris and Kerry Steve of Durant. She is the granddaughter of Willard and Sharon Polk of Bennington and Jimmy and Vesta Roberts of Boswell. She is the great-granddaughter of Red and Nora Johnico of Talihina.
Her parents expressed their appreciation to the Choctaw Nation Cultural Resources department, the summer camp program and Chief Gregory E. Pyle for sponsoring athletes to competitive games such as Jim Thorpe. With this support Steve’s athletic ability was recognized and she has been given the opportunity of receiving a full scholarship to Bacone.