Harris smiling on and off the field

By Allyson Arnold
Staff Writer

Center fielder Gary Harris, a senior at Georgia College and State University, is definitely a huge help to the baseball team as well as a determined student.
“I had to decide between West Georgia and Georgia College, and I thought that Georgia College had a better program,” said Harris.
For this upcoming season, Harris is happy where the team is.
“We will be pretty good this season; we lost a lot of key players last year, but we have a lot of good fill-ins,” said Harris. “We are able to be just as good, if not better, than last year.”
Harris’ personal goals are easy, he wants to “play ball and have a good season,” said Harris.
After graduating, Harris hopes to continue playing baseball.
“I hope to continue to play ball,” said Harris. “Hopefully, everything will fall into place; it is everyone’s dream to go pro eventually.”
Even in the off-season Harris manages to stay in good shape.
“In the off season I stay in shape by playing basketball, and I go to throw and hit. That helps me to keep my arm in shape,” Harris said.
When asked what is a typical day for him during the season, Harris replied,
“I go to class, eat lunch, then go to the fields and practice from about 1:30 to 6:00,” said Harris. “Then I go home, eat dinner and sleep. It is the same schedule everyday during the week.”
Harris had 30 stolen bases last season, which led the team. Harris ended up batting .312 with 6 doubles, 6 home runs and 35 RBI. Harris’s speed was a key factor. He also led the team in triples (7),and runs scored (67). He had 22 multi-hit games and notched a season high 3 hits in a game on six occasions. Harris made his name quick as he homered twice in the opening game last season against Georgia Southwestern.
Harris named many great things about playing baseball.
“Team unity, hanging out with the boys, and all the fun times and memories created,” said Harris. “There is nothing quite like being in a group or second family, creating these memories and great experiences.”
In his first season as a Bobcat, Harris created a lot of good memories both on and off the field. Now, with the start of his second season underway, the Bobcats will look for his leadership throughout the season. So go out and watch Harris as he and the rest of the Bobcats look to run over their opponents this season.

Posted by Colonnade Archives on Feb 8 2002. Filed under Sports. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry