SCTCCCA Hall of Fame interview: Lexington's Harris ran track in college, not HS

Name: Bailey Harris
Years coaching: 28th at Lexington...19 as head xc coach, nine as head track coach and many as asst. track
Other hobbies: golf and kayaking
Favorite athlete: lots....Edwin Moses, Jordan, Fran Tarkenton
Runner stats: still hold 400H record at Presbyterian College, made All American standard last summer in masters High Hurdles at age 50
Coaching bio.: Head women’s basketball coach at Coastal Carolina 1985-86, grad asst. coach at Furman Univ. 1886-87, Lexington HS 1987- present
Inducted into S.C. Basketball Coaches Hall of Fame in 2012. Basketball over 500 wins, two state titles and four state runner-ups. In XC: Three individual state champs and four consecutive team state titles.

Photo provided

When first receiving the news on being an inductee what went through your mind? 
Wow, have been really blessed to have worked with some great kids and coaches! 

Looking back as a coach and what have you experienced in this role? 
I've learned a lot over the years. I never ran track or XC in high school. Lettered in track four years in college, but really had to learn the sport. So my running background in more track than XC, but I have learned a lot over the years from some great coaches. 

How and why did you get involved in coaching?  
Pretty much have always wanted to be involved in sports as a participant or a coach. Several of my coaches really had a positive impact on me and I felt called by God to go into coaching to hopefully make an impact on lives of others. 

How is your team looking this year? 
We lost a lot, three of last years guys running as college freshmen, lost one to soccer and had one move, that said, this years group is very motivated and working hard. We hope to win the region again and be a factor at the state meet

Who will be in attendance during the induction at the Bob Jenkins SCTCCCA Coaches Classic? 
I'm hoping that a lot of my former runners can be there, since they are the reason I'm being honored. I've had one of my sons on the team the last 10 years, but no Harris on squad this year. I know Thomas will not be able to make it back (running at George Washington Univ.). I’m hoping that Drew will make it back and of course my wife Beth will be there as always! 

What would you like to see happen in the sports and how do you see this happening? 
I really wish more athletes would play multiple sports, but with the new rules allowing open seasons I don't think it will happen. 

Riverside's Cummings, Lexington's Harris nominated for SCTCCCA Hall of Fame
 

Eric Cummings: A "huge honor" to be named SCTCCCA HOF inductee

The number 5 runner: Lexington coach Bailey Harris

The number 5 runner: Lexington boys