Under The Gun: Jere Morton

Name: Jere Morton
Age: 32
Hometown: Fuquay Varina, North Carolina
College: Lenoir CC, North Carolina State (BS), UNC-Charlotte (Mat)
Started with Dirtbags: 2017

How has your season gone as the Head Coach of Broughton High School?

Our season has been big for us in a lot of ways despite some difficult losses.  We have taken a step forward as a program to locally earn some respect of our opponents and to show the kids in our program we can compete on a big stage.

What message do you try to instill in your players?

The message that I try to instill in my players is to play with no regrets and enjoy the opportunity they have to play this game.

What made you want to get into coaching?

I love the game and was surrounded by coaches from a young age, most notably my father who played baseball at NC State and coached American Legion baseball when I was young.

You coached in college for a few years, how was that?

I coached at Wake Tech CC and it was a blast. Getting the chance to work with some blue collar ball players on that level was a lot of fun. Coaching in college opened up a lot of networking opportunities for me as well.

What made you want to get involved with Dirtbags baseball?

I wanted to get involved with the Dirtbags because of the leadership at the top of the program with Andy and Trey.  I have known them for years and know that they refuse to lose and love to compete. They also see the value in helping kids reach their dreams but being realistic with those kids about level of play they can manage.

Talk a little bit about the relationships you have made while coaching with the Dirtbags?

The coaches- These dudes are passionate about what they do.  Many of them coach in other places, have families, full-time jobs, etc. but when they put on the Dirtbag uniform, nothing else matters.  I’ve met some really good guys and have learned a lot from them.

The players- It’s a little different than your school players because the Dirtbags guys are guys you see a couple months at a time and not year round.  However, getting to know young men from different programs across the state has really been special. I have enjoyed getting to know all my ‘Bags along with their families.

How long have you been involved with the Dirtbags?

Summer 2017/Fall 2017 was my first season. I have been a fan of these guys forever and kept up with their success from staying in touch with Trey over the years.

What’s one thing you didn’t know about the Dirtbags that you know now since being involved in it?

The Dirtbags coaches are a family and are a top reason kids should invest their time and abilities into the organization.  These guys are in it for the right reasons. They are constantly supporting and pushing one another in whatever they are doing – whether  its winning high school baseball games, projecting the NCHSAA playoffs, getting engaged, etc. These guys love what they do and are like brothers.

When you hear the word “Dirtbags” what comes to mind?

Competitors.

Most memorable game coaching with the Dirtbags?

Being robbed of beating the Banditos in WWBA last summer. We got after it and fell short at the end against one of the top teams in the country.

What are you looking forward to the most about the summer?

Traveling to some bigtime events and getting to know my roster as people and not just guys that can play baseball.

Best player you have coached with the Dirtbags?

Either, Nate Essick (‘19) or Phillip Berger (‘19).

Stay tuned for another exciting, “Under The Gun” interview coming up tomorrow..