Thayer Baseball Looks to New Coach for Turnaround Season

Jason Morris takes over a young Thayer team looking to build on last year's 10-8 record.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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Thayer baseball has a new head coach in Jason Morris this season. Morris compiled a 241-153 career record across 13 seasons at East Carter, Licking and Neelyville. He inherits a program coming off a 10-8 season, marking the program's first above-.500 finish since 2016. The team returns four starters, including senior pitcher Colton Mills, who will anchor the staff. Newcomer Owen Morris, a 6-foot-3 junior transfer from Mountain Home, Arkansas, could fill the No. 2 spot on the mound. Coach Morris is excited about the team's pitching depth, with 8-9 arms vying for innings.

Why it matters

Thayer baseball is looking to build on its first winning season in nearly a decade, and the arrival of new coach Jason Morris brings high expectations. Morris has a proven track record of success at the high school level, and his ability to develop young talent could be key to Thayer's turnaround. The team's pitching depth is also a promising sign, as the Bobcats aim to compete in a tough conference.

The details

Thayer returns four starters from last year's 10-8 team, including senior pitcher Colton Mills, who will be the ace of the staff. Junior transfer Owen Morris from Mountain Home, Arkansas, could fill the No. 2 spot on the mound. The team also has several other varsity-experienced pitchers like Carter Nicholson, Canyon Harper and Ty Young who will eat up innings. Freshman newcomers Cannon Tharp, Owen Brown, Cole Hunter, Ashton Jenkins and John Ogles will also compete for time on the mound. Behind the plate, Dominic Boyce or Carson Harper could take over the catching duties. In the infield, Mills and Nicholson return at shortstop and second base, respectively, while Jenkins and Ogles could see time at the corners. The outfield will be completely new if Boyce moves to catcher, with options including Jragen Collins, Owen Morris, Hayden Howerton, Brown and Tharp.

  • Thayer opens the season on March 19 at Mansfield.

The players

Jason Morris

Thayer's new head coach, who compiled a 241-153 career record across 13 seasons at East Carter, Licking and Neelyville.

Colton Mills

Thayer's senior pitcher who will anchor the staff.

Owen Morris

A 6-foot-3 junior transfer from Mountain Home, Arkansas, who could fill the No. 2 spot on the mound.

Carter Nicholson

Thayer's junior who pitched several innings last year and will be counted on to eat innings this season.

Canyon Harper

Thayer's sophomore who will also be looked upon to fill varsity innings this year.

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What they’re saying

“I am excited to be back coaching high school baseball and feel that Thayer is a young team that is ready to go. I feel we have enough experience at the varsity level that with a few quality freshmen we can make this a great year.”

— Jason Morris, Head Coach (ozarkssportszone.com)

“Colton Mills a will be looked upon to anchor the staff. He has pitched varsity for several years, and we will look to his experience to lead our young staff.”

— Jason Morris, Head Coach (ozarkssportszone.com)

“Owen Morris, a transfer student from Mountain Home, Ark., could fill the No. 2 spot. Owen can locate three pitches and could be looked on to close out games as well.”

— Jason Morris, Head Coach (ozarkssportszone.com)

What’s next

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The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.