When I graduated from North Attleboro High School in 1970 there was no girls’ track program. I don’t even remember there being a question about having one. But when I returned in 1974 there it was. The head coach was Sue Young and the assistant was Reed Morse. On the recent death of Reed Morse I asked Sue – now Sue Janson – her thoughts about Reed.

northrunning.com : When and how did you hear about Reed?

Sue: In 1973 I was asked to be the head coach for the newly organized girls track team. I was more than a little concerned. Ken Pickering in an attempt to reassure me said “ Don’t worry! Reed will work with you – he knows all about the sport.” It was then that I found out he had also organized the boys team years before.

northrunning.com : How did you get involved and what was Reed’s official position?

Sue : I got involved because they needed a “woman” to be in the lockerroom. Reed’s official title was assistant coach but in reality he should have been head coach.

northrunning.com : What were his coaching specialties?

Sue : Actually he did everything! He made up the weekly schedules that each group of athletes were to follow. For example, he’d set up the type of repeats for sprinters, the long runs for the distance crew or the shot put workouts.

northrunning.com : How did he most help you as a coach?

Sue : He taught me all I know. During my early years as head coach I really knew very little of the sport. But by the time Reed “retired” I felt very qualified to continue in my role as head coach. It also helped that qualified assistant coaches stepped forward when Reed left.

northrunning.com : Do you have any special memories of him?

Sue : Well, of course Reed would always bring his bulldog with him to practice. The dog (I can’t remember his name) would follow him around just like the team. They were inseparable. Reed also had this great demeanor that commanded respect. The girls felt very honored to have someone with his experience train them.

northrunning.com : And how do you most remember him?

Sue : Reed was absolutely dedicated to both the male and female athletes of North Attleboro. I’ll be forever grateful for the ultimate patience he showed for me.