Docs for Morgan: A game of remembrance, community, and support
The team of physicians and residents, clad in light blue jerseys, threw their fists in the air and exchanged high-fives, finally allowing their exhaustion to show. Their hard-fought 56-47 basketball victory over a determined squad of medical school students on Feb. 5 marked the reclaiming of the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine’s trophy at Patrick Henry High School in Roanoke.
Years of teamwork and collaboration had paid off once again.
But the annual Docs for Morgan game is more than just a competitive matchup — it’s a powerful tribute to the enduring unity between the Roanoke community, Virginia Tech, and Carilion Clinic in honor of Morgan Dana Harrington’s memory. Now in its 13th year, this beloved tradition remains a night of celebration, remembrance, and support.
“This basketball game is a fun night — it’s exciting, it’s joyful. But it’s also a chance for us to give back to the community that has helped us find a path to healing and, indeed, back to joy,” said Gil Harrington, Morgan’s mother. “It’s incredibly meaningful that the Docs for Morgan game helps fund students who will become healers themselves and return as caregivers to their community.”
Morgan, a Virginia Tech student with aspirations of becoming a teacher, worked as a summer intern at the medical school. In 2009, she was tragically abducted and murdered after attending a concert in Charlottesville. In the wake of their grief, her family members transformed their pain into action, establishing the Morgan Dana Harrington Memorial Scholarship at the school to support aspiring physicians.
Each year, physicians and medical students face off in friendly competition, raising funds for the scholarship while celebrating Morgan’s legacy. The game is more than just about basketball — it embodies camaraderie, community spirit, and a shared commitment to keeping Morgan’s memory alive.
“It’s a very special night for us because we get to reconnect with friends and community supporters who we may not have seen for a while,” said Dan Harrington, Morgan’s father and former vice dean of the medical school. “Occasionally, things can get a little rough on the court, but the good thing is there are plenty of doctors here.”
To date, the scholarship has generated over $550,000 in support of students, a testament to both the event’s impact and the generosity of its supporters. Medical students eagerly anticipate the opportunity to participate in a game that holds significance beyond the final score.
“I’ve come to watch and cheer on my classmates for the past two years, and I felt inspired to practice with the team and be part of the game,” said Lily Brouwer, a third-year medical student. “It’s really fun to be on the court and to support such an important cause.”
Since the event’s inception, psychiatrist Tracey Criss has been a driving force behind the Docs for Morgan game, organizing, playing, and ensuring its continued impact.
“It’s always inspiring to be part of this game and to show that when people come together, we can overcome tragedy,” Criss said. “We are deeply grateful for the support of the community, the medical school, and Carilion Clinic for making this event possible.”
As the final buzzer sounded and victory photos were taken, one thing was evident: Docs for Morgan is about far more than basketball. It is about remembering, supporting, and uplifting. It is about honoring Morgan by strengthening the bonds of a community that refuses to forget her.
