Brian Morehead ’85

He was named 1985 Courier-Post Player of the Year. The 6-foot-2 shooting guard was a three-year starter for South Jersey Hall of Fame coach Art DiPatri. He won the State title with the 1983 Paul VI team led by current James Madison University coach Matt Brady ’83.

“There were so many great players and coaches that I was blessed to play with and learn from during those years (1981-85). Certainly, winning a state title in 1983 with such a close group of talented teammates and coaches was very special. Our 1985 team snapped Camden High’s 85-game conference winning streak during my senior year.”

Brian feels very blessed to have met a gentleman named Tim Lenahan at the young age of 8. Tim was Brian’s basketball coach and became a father-like figure, mentor, and best friend after the passing of Brian’s father when he was just 7 years old. Tim would continually tell Brian that he could do anything or be the best at anything he wanted if he worked hard and believed in himself. Tim gave him the ability to dream big! At that time, for Brian, it was all about basketball. He wanted to be the best basketball player and student he could be. He wanted to go to college and play. The Morehead family was a middle-class family with six kids and a mother who was forced to work for their family’s survival, so money for college was going to be an issue. However, with the beliefs instilled in him by Tim, and nurtured to new levels by his other mentor, high school coach Art DiPatri, Brian achieved his dream of playing in college and getting an education. Best of all, he didn’t have to pay for it. Anybody with children will tell you what a huge blessing that was, one that Mrs. Morehead, even now, in her 80’s, recounts with so much joy and pride. He used what he was taught: lessons of faith, love, hard work, and being good to others – and this has been the foundation of how Brian lives his life and his work.

Brian received his B.A. from Bentley Mass., where he received a full four-year scholarship and was a key contributor and part-time starter all four years. He is Vice President of national Accounts for Singer Equipment. His division designs and sells food service equipment to national chain concepts. Singer Equipment Company applies a team concept philosophy, and as a result, the business has grown 1000% since 1987. A family-owned business for more than 94 years, the company is being brought to new levels by the founder’s grandson, Fred Singer. Brian said that Fred has been another blessing to his business life. A friend and progressive business thinker, Fred has embraced the “team philosophy” and the success of the company that is directly linked to key core values that all successful teams follow. Brian shared with us that everyone has a valuable role on the Singer team, like the Paul VI teams he played on from 1981-1985. By working together, everyone enjoyed great success.

Brian said, “I have learned that life is a journey. We all go through different seasons in our life, and everyone experiences ups and downs. I have had my share of difficult moments that have included losing family members and friends. He has also experienced incredible highs in his personal life, such as marrying my wife, Megan. Throughout it all, I have tried to live my life with faith as taught by Jesus Christ. I can tell you, with 100% certainty, believe in His promises! I’m living proof.”

Consistent with the way Brian has lived his life, he has some wisdom to share with Paul VI students today. He says, “Dream big! You can do anything you set your mind to do. Anything worth having will not come easily. Your dreams will require hard work, discipline, faith, and a little luck. However, the rewards can be great! Live your life with passion. You only get one. You may as well make it great.”