October 4, 2025 Local Stories in and Around St. Joseph, Illinois

Q and A with SJO Hall of Fame inductee Morgan Gooding 

1. How does it feel to be inducted into the hall of fame?
Honestly, it was a surprise. So many have graduated from SJO who have done and continue to do great things. I’d never even thought about being selected. It is great to see how excited it has made my family. I’m not sure my kids have fully grasped what it means but maybe one day they’ll think I’m cool.. we’ll see.



2. What is your favorite memory from SJO?
I may be cheating on this one because I’m picking a weekend instead of one moment. June 3-4 was unforgettable. The end of senior year, winning state, riding on the fire truck, and graduating all in a 24 hour span. I’m tired thinking back on it now, I’m not sure how our parents kept up but it was a memory that will last a lifetime. I loved sharing it with my softball team, coaches, parents and classmates!


3. What is one thing you learned at SJO that you have taken with you into your professional world?
Persistence! Finding a way through roadblocks, not giving up when things get hard. Twice I tore ligaments in my knee before starting the softball season. It kept me out for a full season, delaying a second but my coaches and teammates refused to let it slow us (me) down. I learned far more about pitching sitting on the sidelines than I had in years of camps. When I got hurt the second year, it was another reminder to slow down and focus on the basics. What a great outcome from persevering!






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