An all-ECC runner learns a completely new sport? Senior Joey “JoJo” Morales took the track by storm in his sophomore and junior years, quickly becoming a top contender in his events (4×400,1440 medley, 300m, 55m, and more). JoJo usually spends his fall season rehabilitating and training, but this season he decided to pick up the helmet and pads. Football is a very new thing to JoJo, but he was “very excited. I love trying new things, means [sic] more doors open.” There is one thing that is guaranteed: JoJo is fighting to be the best he can be at what he is doing.  “Work ethic is all it really is, speed along with that,” Morales said when speaking about transpiring skills from track to football.

Picking up Tight End and Cornerback, Morales has put his head into the playbook, studying every day, and watching film to get the upper hand on the opposition. The real question is how does one come to this decision? “Just watching it really. Watching the games made me feel something I could be a part of, something I can be appreciated doing.” Outside the field, JoJo embodies the Colonel character making Ledyard High a place of asylum. Morales has taken underclassmen under his wing and given them knowledge on how to navigate these trials we call highschool. He can be seen around the school with the brightest smile and even at our team’s volleyball games where he shows his utmost support. JoJo has a school spirit that runs wild. “I love what the school does. We have great energy and a great environment here at Ledyard is honestly something to be proud of.”

Even asking other students or teachers can give you a great image of JoJo: 

“Love that guy… My only thoughts,” senior Thomas Almeida

“He’s good… He’s a fine looking man,” junior Kyle Witherill

“He talks a lot,” senior, Sydney Bradham

“Joey is a good kid, I like him, very polite young man, looks me in the eyes… I like it,” assistant principal, Mr. Turner

“He is super nice and always says hi in the hallways, very considerate dude,” senior Baileigh Johnson

“He’s an athletic dude, a good locker room leader,” junior Austin Funk

“I feel like Jojo has a lot of insight so it’s easy to converse with him, he brings controversial topics to the table, and makes you think when you talk to him. He is an upstanding person who stimulates the brain,” senior Lia Day

“He has nicknames for literally everyone,” junior Abby Suarez

“He’s rizzy cause he holds down a relationship for a long time,” junior Carlos Figueroa

This is Joey, a man bigger than his reputation who takes pride in his character. If you feel like you need more JoJo in your life you can find him singing in our school choirs, throwing down on the football field, or even just upholding his smile in the hallway. We love you JoJo, remember us when you make it! 

Billy Sharpe, Staff Writer

Senior Billy Sharpe is a staff writer for the 2024-2025 Colonel Newsmagazine. He enjoys writing stories and making music. He also indulges in multiple sports.