Neil Morfitt

When you hear people talk about athletics, one of the most important factors for a successful athletic program is leadership. In the fifties, Neil Morfitt (called by half his friends as “Laddie”, a childhood nickname) was not only a nine-time letterman in football basketball and golf but also a prominent leader of the student body at Astoria High School.

In the Winter, Morfitt played freshmen basketball. In his sophomore and junior years he played and lettered for Ward Paldanius varsity basketball teams. With a change of coaches, Neil decided not to turn out for basketball and instead, assisted with the freshman basketball team.

In the spring, Neil excelled on the golf course. He was either first or second man for four years earning four varsity letters in golf. Morfitt culminated his time on the links with a second place Metro League finish. At the State Meet, he averaged a 78 for two rounds. A great finish to a solid high school golf career.

Football was where Neil excelled the most, not only his accomplishments, but great leadership. A three year letterman on the gridiron, he played a prominent role in leading some successful Fishermen football squads, coached by Roy Thompson. His sophomore year, he shared the quarterback position most of the year. Neil’s junior year he was the quarterback. His time on the football field was rewarded for his achievements in his senior year. Neil was moved to end because of a shoulder injury thought to have taken place his sophomore year. Thompson still had Morfitt calling the plays. This proved to be a pretty good strategy as the Fishermen ended the 1956 Metro League season 8-1 losing only 6-0 to champion Gresham at their house. This Gresham team was led by Bob Schloredt, two time quarterback of the Washington Huskies and back to back Rose Bowl Champions.

Morfitt’s achievements that football season were scoring six touchdowns and being credited with 17 point after touchdowns which included a six for six against Central Catholic. This made Neil the second leading scorer in the metro league. It also earned him several honors including first team All-League end, Second Team All-State end, and an alternate to play in the Shrine All-Star football game.

Off the field, Neil was elected as the 1956-1957 Student Body President. He was elected as the head of the Region III councils which represented 42 high schools in five counties. He was also chosen to represent Oregon at the National Convention of Students in Ohio. Neil was also a member of the National Honor Society.