April 18, 2007

Story By Chris Megginson, Shelby County Reporter (Columbiana, Ala.)

Former Thompson High School standout Nick Harris is picking up just where he left off - on top.

This time last season, Harris was an everyday starter with goals and dreams of wearing the Warriors' black and red uniform in the post season. Today, he has the same desire while wearing the black and red of Southeast Missouri State University (SEMO).

Harris started in his 35th and 36th games of the season Sunday at Joe Lee Griffin Stadium on the Samford University campus as he made his first trip back to Birmingham since the season began.

"I got to sleep in my own bed the past two nights. It's probably the best sleep I've had in three months," Harris said.

Last season, Harris led the Warriors with six home runs, 35 RBIs and 44 hits. Now he leads SEMO in nearly every category, despite entering this past weekend's series at Samford in a bit of a slump. He is hitting just .195 in April after hitting .538 with seven home runs in March.

"I wouldn't call it a slump. I'm just swinging at a pitcher's pitch, chasing things in the dirt. I'm kind of getting back into a groove now, but just need to find the barrel," he said.

Slump or no slump, Harris' numbers are among the best in the Ohio Valley Conference and he is the only true freshman to be among the OVC leaders summary through the weekend. While his batting average has fallen from .459 on March 31 to .319, it is still good enough for fourth on the team and he continues to lead SEMO in hits with 46, which is fifth in the OVC. He also leads the team in home runs with eight and is second in the OVC, which he says is a surprise.

"I ,didn't realize I'd have this much power at this point," Harris said.

He also leads the OVC and his team with 85 total bases, while leading SEMO in doubles (9) and triples (3).

Now that Harris' self proclaimed "highlight of the year" has passed by, playing in front of his family in Birmingham, he focused onward to an OVC championship.

"Our goal is to be No. 1 or No. 2 in the OVC and win 40 games. We're still looking to do that," Harris said.

SEMO (23-13) currently sits in a tie for first place with Jacksonville State University at 9-3 in the OVC.

Head Coach Mark Hogan gives Harris and his other newcomers the credit for turning the team around from a sixth place OVC finish last season.

"They've been a nice blend. (Harris) is a guy with a lot of tools. He's an all-around good player and brings a lot to the table for us," Hogan said.

It may be too soon to call Harris this year's OVC Rookie of the Year, but Hogan has already crowned Harris.

"I bet he's the OVC champ in deer hunting this season," Hogan said in reference to an 8-point, 260-pound buck that his wildlife conservation major third baseman killed in Indiana the week before Thanksgiving.