Michael Harris Named ASC Distinguished Scholar-Athlete For Cross Country

Michael Harris was named the 2018 Men's Cross Country ASC Distinguished Scholar Athlete.

Sophomore cross country standout Michael Harris was named the American Southwest Conference Men's Cross Country Distinguished Scholar-Athlete for the 2018 Fall season, the league office announced Friday (February 8).

Harris, a health science major from Elkins, Ark., placed fourth overall with a time of 27:41.21 at the 2018 ASC Championships and 23rdat the NCAA III Regionals with a time of 26:31.20. He was named to the All-Conference First Team for the second year in a row and was awarded USTFCCCA All-Region for the 2018 season. Harris will also be on the 2018 USTFCCCA All-Academic Team. He won both of Ozarks' home races this season - the Arkansas D-III Championships and the Ozarks Invitational. The 2017 ASC Cross Country Newcomer of the Year, he has won ASC Runner of the Week four times in his career. Also a standout track athlete, Harris was co-High Point Athlete of the Year at the 2018 ASC Championships and was named All-Conference. An Academic All-ASC selection, Harris has been of the school's President's List and Dean's List. His volunteer work includes serving as the assistant track coach at Clarksville High School. He has assisted at the Toys for Tots Fun Run in Russellville and at races at Elkins High School. Harris has a 3.90 GPA in Health Science.

The Distinguished Scholar-Athlete Teams recognize student-athletes who achieve a high level of academic achievement (a 3.20 grade-point average or better) while competing as a starter or important reserve on their team. From that list – limited to one nominee per school in each ASC championship sport – the sports information directors from the 13 ASC member institutions and two affiliate members select a Distinguished Scholar-Athlete in each sport.

Overall, 70 student-athletes were named to the American Southwest Conference 2018 Fall Distinguished Scholar-Athlete Teams.