Class: 1961Inducted: 2012
In 1961 Caleb Morris was graduated from APHS after being captain of its track and field team for two years and having won the state championship in the 220-yd. dash. He received a track scholarship to Maryland State University. During his college years, Maryland State became the first university in history to win two national (NCAA and NAIA) championships in the same year. In 1966 Caleb received his degree in Health and Physical Education.
CJ, as Caleb Morris is affectionately known, returned to Asbury Park as a teacher in the old Bond Street School (1966-1970). He left Asbury Park in 1970 to join the rival Neptune High School as Director of School and Community Relations. In 1974 Caleb was graduated from Indiana University with a Master''s degree in Physical Education and then rejoined Neptune High School as its physical education teacher. Caleb stayed at Neptune High for many years not only as a teacher but also as assistant coach of the boys track and field team. He later became head coach of the girls track and field team.
During his tenure in Neptune, Caleb''s track teams won seven state championships and broke five national records. Two of his high school female students both qualified for and participated in the Olympic trials to represent the United States.
CJ Morris received many accolades for his outstanding coaching efforts, including a citation from the New Jersey State General Assembly for Outstanding Coaching, Outstanding Coach by the National Federation Interscholastic Coaches Association, Coach of the Year by the Newark Star-Ledger and Coach of the Year by the Asbury Park Press. Caleb Morris was inducted into the New Jersey Shore Sports Hall of Fame for Outstanding Coaching Career.
Little known to most people is Caleb Morris'' brief entree into the entertainment world as a member of the high school singing group known as The Juveniles. This group, which ultimately won a recording contract, is now named in the Smithsonian Institute which has created an exhibit called "New Harmonies" celebrating American roots in music. The Juveniles have been recognized for their contribution to the sounds of Asbury Park''s Westside music.
Of all the achievements and honors, Caleb Morris is especially proud of his 45-year marriage to Shyrleen Toadvine and their four daughters, April, Sonji, Dawn and Kelly.
Caleb Morris believes that "Success comes from hard work and dedication".