Story by Ava Chuppe
Contributing writer
am.chuppe@gmail.com
Murray State alumnus Trey Morris won the 2019 National Auctioneers Association International Auctioneer Championship in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Morris, a 2006 graduate and former public address announcer for athletics, received the award after competing among auctioneers from the United States, Canada, Mexico and Ireland. There were 68 total participants from the men’s and women’s divisions.
The contest was part of the 70th annual conference and show for the NAA. At the Hilton New Orleans Riverside on July 12, Morris and other contestants were judged by seven scorers on poise, a preliminary round for command and bid calling, an interview round with three industry questions and a final bid-calling round for the top 15 male contestants.
Morris, a Murray native who received a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, said he was honored to be selected as the winner.
“I’m elated and overjoyed to be chosen as the 2019 champion,” Morris said. “It has been an absolute dream come true. The NAA taught me so much about auctioneering, but also about leadership and professionalism, and I will work diligently to fulfill the mission and purpose of the National Auctioneer Association over the next year and throughout the duration of my career.”
Morris will serve as an ambassador for the NAA along with the female co-champion, Morgan Hopson of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Both champions will speak to trade groups and media about the benefits of the auction method and the capability of the NAA’s members.
Additionally, Morris will hold a toy “fun auction” for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis. He has experience working with St. Jude, as well as other charitable foundations such as the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, the American Heart Association and the Ronald McDonald House through live auction events.
Morris is a first-generation auctioneer who has been featured on the Discovery television network by announcing for the Barrett-Jackson auction company. He has partnered with many notable people during his charity work, including former Nashville Predator Mike Fisher and his wife Carrie Underwood, MLB player Albert Pujols and musicians Darius Rucker and Luke Combs.
Morris said he is looking forward to fulfilling his role as an NAA ambassador.
“Winning this award is such an honor,” Morris said. “It was a privilege sharing the stage with the best auctioneers in the industry. I’m a true testament to the belief that success comes when you step outside of fear and pursue the one thing that scares you to death. Today I stand on the other side of fear as the 2019 International Auctioneer Champion. I’m looking forward to representing auctioneers and auction professionals around the world. I’m incredibly grateful to represent as an industry leader and champion.”