DANE FUELLING
WZBD.com
Thursday’s sectional offers one local athlete the chance to show off his competitive spirit and extend his sophomore season by another week.
Marshall Harris, a sophomore at Heritage, has had an outstanding season and he is taking it 400 meters at a time.
“Marshall is a competitor that gives you everything that he has,” says his coach, Matt Smith. “There is never a question on if he is giving his best effort.”
Coming off a solid cross country season where he finished the sectional race in 18:08, Harris has excelled at the 400, winning titles at the ACAC meet in both the 400 and as part of the Patriots’ 4×400 relay.
Running cross country this past fall has made a big difference for Harris despite the difference in distances between a high school 5K meet and the 400 M sprint.
“He was one of our top runners last year for track,” says head boys coach Casey Kolkman, “but the difference for this year is his confidence. Running cross really helped. He is also running the 4×800 for us.”
Harris says he enjoys training with his teammates and he is especially proud of qualifying for the Indoor State Meet this March.
“The people and the atmosphere make running the meets enjoyable,” he says. “I like the fact that you have individual responsibilities to get better and compete, but also have teammates to cheer on for other events.”
Coach Smith, who coaches the mid-distance runner for both the boys and girls teams, sees a lot of potential in Harris.
“He is a competitor at practice and challenges the other athletes to step up their efforts if they are not putting forth their best.”
Both coaches like Marshall’s chances of advancing to Regional.
“My expectation is that he gives his absolute best and sets a PR,” says Smith. “He is seeded to get out and it would be great if his two relays were to make it out.”
Harris won the ACAC with a 52.76, the fastest of any high school athlete in Z-Land. His PR is 52.50 according to Kolkman.
His best leg of the 4×800 has been a 2:08. Harris ran the opening leg at the ACAC and the team finished behind South Adams, which has the best time in that event for the four Z-Land schools.
The Patriots will likely have to close that gap to advance.
Thursday’s IHSAA Track & Field Sectional begins at 5:00 p.m. at New Haven High School.