Swimmer Morrell has uniform in his future

Some fear the future. Others view it as a challenge.

UNLV swimmer Andrew Morrell is a member of the latter group.

The senior from Vacaville, Calif., knows his college career is nearing its end, and he already is making preparations for life outside the pool.

Morrell, a two-time All-American who is vying for his third consecutive appearance in the NCAA Championships, has decided to pursue either a military or law enforcement career after the 2011-12 season comes to an end in March.

Though the breaststroke specialist knows he has an outside chance of making a run for the U.S. Olympic team, he said 16 years of competitive swimming probably is enough.

"Right now, I'm not planning on swimming after the NCAAs," he said. "I've been swimming since I was 5 years old, and I'm going to be 22 next summer."

Instead, he's ready to follow in the footsteps of either his father or brothers.

Morrell said his father -- Jeff Morrell -- has been a lifelong role model.

"My dad has been a police officer my whole life," he said. "He's been with the California Highway Patrol for 27 years. I've always been around police officers, and I realize their job is important. I think it would be a rewarding career."

On the other hand, he also admires his brothers.

"Josh is a Navy diver, and Jacob is a Navy SEAL," Morrell said. "I look up to both of my brothers. The military is also an honorable career. You can't get a much better job than serving your country."

UNLV associate head coach Kunio Kono, who works directly with Morrell, said he understands his standout swimmer's career aspirations.

"I can see it," the coach said. "He's a tough guy, but at the same time, he's a very nice and kind person."

Even so, Kono is hoping Morrell will put a few more strong weeks of dedication into the tail end of his swimming career before deciding which uniform to wear next. He noted that the success of the men's team could be significantly influenced by Morrell's stretch performance.

"Andrew is one of the strongest people on the team," Kono said. "Everybody wants to follow him. He's a strong role model, a good student who works hard."

Morrell said he plans to finish his swimming career on a high note.

"This year at the NCAA meet, I'd like to get top three (in the 100-yard breaststroke)," he said. "I'd obviously like to win it, but the NCAA meet is the toughest competition in the world. Anything could happen, though. I could win it or get dead last."

The first thing Morrell must do is qualify for the national meet. After weeks of preparation, he narrowly missed the guaranteed A-time last weekend at the Texas Hall of Fame Invitational in Austin. He finished fourth in 53.71 seconds, .84 seconds off the required pace.

He'll get another chance in February when the Rebels travel to Oklahoma City to compete in the Mountain West Conference championship meet. Regardless of what happens there, he will climb out of the pool for the final time thankful for all the opportunities the sport has given him.

"Swimming at UNLV has been a great experience," Morrell said. "Swimming helps you find out who you are and what you want to do. It has taught me dedication, discipline and time management."

Morrell and his teammates will be back in action Dec. 17 when the Rebels host the three-day UNLV Invitational at Buchanan Natatorium.