Video: Olympian Christina Epps thanks coaches who made a difference
By Kevin Coughlin
On a sun-drenched October Saturday, Morristown gave a hero’s welcome to its first Olympian.
And Christina Epps responded with a golden speech that brought cheers and tears from the halftime crowd at Morristown High School.
“I appreciate all of the people of Morristown,” she said, thanking everyone who made online donations to send her parents to Rio to watch her compete in the triple jump for Team USA this summer.
Beaming, Epps strode onto Memorial Field behind a procession of banner-toting students, through a phalanx of pom-pom waving cheerleaders, to strains of the Olympic theme from the marching band.
But when it came time to acknowledge track and field coaches Gordon Drewery, Matt Carmel and Katy Barnicle, the 2009 graduate choked up.
“You guys built me. You guys are the reason…”
With a resounding “We love you!” her family stepped in with reassuring hugs. And she resumed.
“Through times of ups and downs, I’ve always leaned on my coaches, Drew, Carmel and Barns. And I had my selfish days when I was in high school. But they always taught me, ‘Lean on your teammates and give them credit.'”
Coach Carmel inscribed a quote on her MVP award seven years ago, words Epps embraced when a doctor told her she never would jump again after a grievous knee injury in 2012.
“It said: ‘The true measure of a man is not where he stands in times of comfort and convenience, but where he stands in moments of challenge and controversy.’ And that quote truly brought me though my injury. So thank you, Carmel.”
Slideshow photos by Kevin Coughlin
‘CHRISTINA EPPS DAY’
She received a gold key to the town from Mayor Tim Dougherty, who proclaimed Saturday “Christina Epps Day.” Many hugs, selfies and autographs would follow.
The only thing that could have made the day sweeter was 42 more points. The Colonials lost their Homecoming football game to Montclair by a 47-6 score.
Saturday’s festivities continued a victory lap for Epps that began Friday with talks at her former elementary- and middle schools. The accolades conclude with a presentation by the Morris School District Board of Education on Monday, Oct. 17, 2016.
Councilwoman Hiliari Davis, school board President Leonard Posey and district spokeswoman Mary Donohoe organized the high school event.
Just about everyone there staked a claim to Epps, who starred at Coppin State University en route to the Rio Olympics.
Vera White, a former resident of Manahan Village, the public housing project where Epps moved at age 10 from the Bronx, said the athlete is proof that anything is possible.
“It’s an amazing story,” said Mayor Dougherty.
MHS Principal Mark Manning called Epps “a feather in our cap.” District Superintendent Mackey Pendergrast said it was an honor to fete a graduate who blends talent with such “incredible integrity” and a strong work ethic.
‘IF SHE CAN DO IT…’
Although nobody could have predicted an Olympic future for Epps, friends and family of “Tina” were not surprised, either.
“She was relentless” at MHS, practicing in bad weather and seething when the team under-performed, said Drew Carmel, her former coach.
“She doesn’t give up easily,” said Epps’ sister, Clarissa Epps McPherson, who also was celebrating her 11th wedding anniversary.
Allison Price, a former teammate of Epps, said no one is more deserving of acclaim; Imani Ladson remembers an “incredibly focused, incredibly disciplined” perfectionist. “She was always pushing herself to do more, always perfecting her craft.”
The day, and the honoree, made an impression.
“If she can do it, and she graduated from here, anyone can do it,” said Olivia Carter, who runs the 400 and 800 at MHS and dreams of Olympic glory. “It’s refreshing.”
Ten-year-old soccer player Amanda Ramirez, who aims to be the next Alex Morgan, said Christina Epps reminded her it won’t be easy.
“You have to train a lot to get to Rio,” said Amanda, clutching an autographed flyer and smiling from ear to ear. “I never met a professional person before. She got very emotional. She spoke her feelings. She thanked her parents.”
Maybe Amanda and the rest of the well wishers will return in 2020 for some déjà vu. Epps, who is 25 and engaged, is determined to compete in the Tokyo Olympics.
“I’ve gone this far and I think I have four more years in me,” she said. “Get a little stronger, a little faster, and see what I can go out there and do. Hopefully, win a gold.”
MORE ABOUT MORRISTOWN OLYMPIAN CHRISTINA EPPS
What a great article and even better tribute. Congratulations! Christina you are a beacon in this community and have set a standard for those who follow. We are so proud of your accomplishments! The sky is the lint.