Nov. 30, 2001
All throughout the months of October and November signs, banners and posters of students campaigning for Homecoming King and Queen glittered the campus. But none filled the school more than those encouraging students to vote for Gerald Harris II. "Harris for King" some banners read. And the outgoing 174-pound wrestler did not disappoint, defeating the field by an overwhelming amount.
"I won in high school too," claims Harris. But he dejectedly admits to missing out on the triple-crown, losing the race in middle school. However, Harris hopes to be donning a different kind of crown come March.
Harris, the Tulsa, Oklahoma native, is one of five returning NCAA qualifiers in the lineup this year for CSU. Ranked 10th in Intermat's preseason poll at 174 pounds, Harris looks toward becoming the Viking's first All-American since Dan Carcelli placed fourth in the 1995 NCAA Championships. The former Oklahoma state runner-up in high school, Harris picked CSU over powerhouse programs at Oklahoma and Oklahoma State.
"I met Coach Effner at Junior Nationals and really liked what he had to say," said Harris. Whatever Effner said must have been quite impressive because Harris signed the next month.
"I definitely have no regrets about coming to CSU, Coach Effner has been like a second father to me," said Harris. "He cares about how we are doing in class and how our families are doing."
But after three years of two-a-days, downtown running and weight training, Harris believes he is ready for March. The first couple of years Harris worked on building a confidence that he claims was zero on a scale of one to ten. "Now if I lose I have to think something went wrong," says Harris. And if Harris were to be completely ready to wrestle, this would be the right year. Starting December 6 Harris is slated to take on Edinboro's Josh Koscheck, the #1 ranked 174-pounder in the nation. Harris will then go to the Midlands Invitational over Christmas break, perhaps the most competitive tournament next to the national championships. CSU will then host Michigan on January 5. Harris will square off against Otto Olson, the nation's #2 ranked wrestler in that match.
"I try not to put too much emphasis on rankings," noted Harris. "I'm ranked in the top 20, but only my mom cares about that. But then again, my mom would be proud if I were ranked 88 out of 89." As far as taking on the nation's top two wrestlers, Harris is not worried. "The best wrestling matches are the ones when both competitors believe they can win."
Yet for the Vikings, Harris is much more than their starting 174-pounder. He strikes a perfect blend of the team goofball and mentor. He can always be counted on to take the edge off in practice. Harris also uses his boisterous personality to cheer on the other Viking sports. He often leads the charge as the wrestling squad makes its presence felt at women's basketball, volleyball and softball. For Harris, supporting the other programs is nothing new. He was his high school's mascot for two years.
"I guess I've always been a little crazy at games," admits Harris. "In high school I took off the mascot head cause it got so hot once, but I tripped on the concrete steps and landed on my face. I got up and started cheering with blood dripping from my whole face, but then I fainted."
Yet Harris knows when the fun takes a backseat to hard work. At CSU's first dual match of the season, he took freshman John Bedford aside after Bedford lost the opening match. "I just told him he wasn't wrestling mentally and that he needs to stay focused," stated Harris. But he doesn't butter it up any. "If someone wrestles poorly I'm going to tell him, I'm the one who lays down the truth even when the truth hurts. But I also help them. I like to say I give them a pat on the back and a kick in the butt."
Away from the mat Harris is a Student Athlete Advisory Board (SAAB) member and an Academic All-American. He argues that he has no life, going to school and practice from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., then going home to study. However, most believe CSU's outlandish wrestler might find the time to have fun somewhere in the day.
Nevertheless, Harris has proven himself as a true king at CSU. In three years as a Viking he has built up a tremendous amount of potential as a wrestler and established himself as a true leader on a restored program. It's no wonder Effner claims that Harris is a "dream to have." And come March the CSU community will see if he can bear the crown of an All-American.
