Hall of Honor
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Parris was instrumental in, literally, vaulting McMurry's track and field program into the national spotlight. Parris earned a total of five NCAA Division III national championships in the pole vault, right when the track program was just being re-introduced as a sport on campus.
As a matter-of-fact, Parris still holds the McM records for the pole vault, both indoor and outdoor. He was voted the "Outstanding Performer" award at the 2000 indoor championships, also earning the ASC Male "Athlete of the Year" accolades that same season.
\But as high as Parris sailed over the bar in the pole vault, he set an even higher standard in the classroom where he graduated with a 4.0 grade point average. Immediately upon graduation, he became an assistant coach to legendary McM track coach Barbara Crousen, a position he held until 2014 when Parris succeeded Crousen as the head coach upon her retirement.
Parris' election also completes the McM Hall of Honor sweep " for the family, as he joins his parents Pug and Rickey as members.
