Twins. Discard the charming imagery pop culture paints of them in matching outfits or completing each other’s sentences, and you discover a profound bond deeper than mere shared genetics. It’s two lives, intertwined yet individual, running on parallel tracks, be it two brothers or a brother and sister. This narrative finds its heart in Benton, where Willis and Rachel Morris and Trey and Chance Norman bring it to life.
The Ties
That Bind
For the Norman family, golf is more than just a sport—it’s a legacy. Trey and Chance draw inspiration from their older brother, Cy Norman, Southern Illinois’ revered once-prep golfer, now dazzling at Central Florida University. The younger Normans, passionate about golf, declare, “Right after school, we try to go golf as soon as we can.” But their journey is further enriched at Benton Grade School. With competitive golf being a budding sport at the junior high level, Benton stands as a pioneer, offering students a golden chance. Under the expert mentorship of Coach Reggie Norman, their father, the twins and others are not only learning the sport but also imbibing life lessons on discipline and camaraderie.
Being a twin is really hard sometimes… because Rachel and I are polar opposites.
CHANCE & TREY NORMAN, WILLIS & RACHEL MORRIS
On the other end of the spectrum, the Morris twins—Willis and Rachel—also avid golfers in Benton’s program, cast a different yet equally captivating spell. Willis, the analytical one, is enthralled by mechanical engineering’s challenges. He speaks with an earnestness that mirrors his curiosity, stating, “I’m interested in the things I can solve in life.” Rachel, on the other hand, is the quintessential artist, her eyes lighting up when discussing literature or culinary arts. She’s enamored by the magic of words and the culinary wonders crafted by renowned chefs. It occurs to me, during our conversation, that theirs is almost a right-brain/ left-brain story, but with so much connectivity, that the distinction is often blurred in my read of this pair.
But what binds these contrasting souls? Surprisingly, it’s much more than a shared hobby or a mutual passion but simple, shared moments. Imagine a cozy living room, the soft glow of a television screen, two seats on the couch, and a shared chuckle over a beloved movie scene. That’s their haven. While they revel in their unique pursuits, it’s these uncomplicated, shared instances that bring them closer. A movie, some popcorn, and a moment of understanding—a respite from the world’s chaos.
These twin tales, each distinct in its essence, shed light on the beautiful complexities of sibling bonds. The Normans, unified in their love for golf and honed by Benton’s exceptional program, exemplify shared passions. Meanwhile, the Morris twins, in their diverse world of equations and eloquent verses, emphasize the beauty of individuality and the power of simple shared moments. In the heart of Benton, these stories intertwine, painting a vivid picture of love, understanding, unity, and—of course—golf!
