Memphis Native Harris On Board With MSU Track and Field
STARKVILLE, Miss. ?€“?€“ Mississippi State University head track and field coach Al Schmidt has announced the signing of Memphis Central High School's Marrissa Harris to a national letter-of-intent. Harris will begin competing for the Lady Bulldogs during the 2005-06 season.
As a multi-event athlete, Harris will work closely with assistant coach Karen Rademeyer.
"Marrissa is a versatile athlete who will contribute to our team on a number of levels," Rademeyer said. "She is not only one of the top multi-event athletes in the country, but proficient in the hurdles and high jump as well."
A three-time state champion in the 300-meter hurdles, Harris brings a long list of accomplishments to Starkville. In addition to her three state titles, she has been an all-State selection in the 100- and 300-meter hurdles, high jump and pentathlon. Her personal bests include 14.26 in the 100-meter hurdles, 43.02 in the 300-meter hurdles, 1:01.03 in the 400-meter hurdles, 5-3 in the high jump, 18-0 in the long jump and 4,684 points in the heptathlon.
Since arriving at CHS as a ninth grader, Harris has been the school's track and field nominee for the Best of Prep award, given annually to each top overall athlete in their respective sport within the Memphis area. She has also been named her team's Most Valuable Player.
During the summer of 2004, Harris was ranked fifth in nation in the heptathlon and seventh in the 100-meter hurdles. She competed at the Junior National Championships, placing fifth in the heptathlon, earning her Verizon Junior all-American accolades. In 2003, she was ranked second in the country in the heptathlon, third in the 400-meter hurdles and fifth in the 100-meter hurdles.
"I feel like I am going to do well at MSU," Harris said. "I really don't feel any pressure. The coaching staff at State is very caring. I'm ready to go. I'm happy to be coming to Starkville."
In addition to track, Harris qualified for the city finals in cross country and was a member of the Warriors' basketball team. She garnered Best Defensive Player and Best Newcomer honors during her sophomore campaign and was most recently awarded as the Scholastic Athlete.
Outside of athletics, Harris is a member of the National Honor Society, the National Honor Roll and has been a William A. Sweet award nominee. She was elected Most Athletic in her class and is a member of the Lampin Club and African American Studies Club.
Harris is an active volunteer in the Memphis community, working with the Enchanted Forest, various tutoring services, contributing to the Hope House and working at area soup kitchens.
The daughter of Mary and Morris Harris is undecided on her major.