THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, August 27, 1995 TAG: 9508250189
SECTION: CHESAPEAKE CLIPPER PAGE: 04 EDITION: FINAL
LENGTH: Medium: 67 lines
William Harris says his family comes first in his life, but coaching ranks a close second.
``I go from coaching baseball to football to basketball,'' said Harris, who was recognized recently by the Chesapeake Little League as volunteer of the year.
The Detroit native, a member of the board or directors of the local Little League, recruits and registers players, works with them through tryouts and helps out with field maintenance and concessions. He has umpired games without charge. He orders equipment, doles it out when the season begins and collects it at season's end. As safety officer, he makes sure players wear the proper safety gear. And he has served on numerous committees.
Harris likes every aspect of coaching.
``It gives me the chance to teach young people to play the game,'' he said. ``They learn sportsmanship, and they learn that winning is not everything. A child has to be a good loser before he can learn to be a good winner.
``You have to be positive with youth today. A lot of times coaches worry more about winning and only care about the kids who are good players. I care about everybody. I want them to have fun and excitement.''
But Harris does get excited when his own children are on winning teams.
``This year my oldest daughter, Lisa, got me to the Chesapeake Recreation Center championship in basketball. Then we lost by one point. And my oldest son, Franco, got me to the city basketball tournament in 1993.''
When he's coaching his own children, Harris says he makes a special effort to treat all the players equally.
As a youngster, Harris dreamed briefly about a professional baseball career.
``I soon came to realize that I needed a lot more power at the bat,'' he said. ``I was a good base hitter, but I couldn't hit the long ball.''
Harris, who retired from the Navy three years ago, and last played football and softball for undefeated teams with the Northwest Naval Base shore duty league, says his love for coaching goes back to his own childhood.
``The desire came from my dad. He always volunteered,'' Harris said. ``As I got older, I enjoyed coaching more than playing.''
Full name: William H. Harris
Grew up: In Detroit, Mich.
Fond childhood memories: ``I was able to be there when the Detroit Tigers won the 1968 World Series. And in sixth grade I was chosen to represent the Michigan area for outstanding safety patrol. Making the all stars seven of the eight years that I played Little League baseball.''
Spouse: Kerry
Children: Franco, Henry, Kelly, Lisa
Occupation: ``Retired Navy. Now I'm a security officer at the Clarion Hotel.''
Hobbies: ``Coaching for the teams that my kids play on. I love coaching. In 1971, I was one of the youngest coaches ever for a championship baseball team.''
Favorite song: ``I like music by Elvis.''
Favorite movie: ``The Great Escape''
Can't resist: ``Watching the Steelers every time I have chance.''
Favorite Chesapeake restaurant: Chesapeake Pizza
Favorite way to spend a day off: ``Spending time with my family'' ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by STEVE EARLEY
William Harris
by CNB