Ben Harris, the legendary former head coach of Blount High School’s football team, has been honored with an induction into the National High School Football Hall of Fame. This prestigious recognition highlights his tremendous impact on high school football in Alabama and his legacy as a transformative coach. The induction ceremony is set to take place on June 14 in Canton, Ohio, where Harris will be celebrated for his outstanding contributions to the sport.
Transforming Blount High School Football
Before Ben Harris took over as head coach in 1990, Blount High School’s football program faced significant struggles. Over the previous seven years, the team had managed only 22 wins, failing to establish a strong presence in the competitive Alabama high school football scene. However, under Harris’s leadership, the Blount Leopards saw an extraordinary turnaround.
From 1990 to 1997, Harris led Blount to four Class 5A state championships and two runner-up finishes, making the Leopards one of the most dominant teams in Alabama high school football. His tenure saw the team amass a staggering 90-18 record in just eight seasons, a testament to his strategic brilliance and ability to inspire young athletes.
Impact Beyond the Field
While Harris’s success on the field is undeniable, his influence extended far beyond football. He was not just a coach; he was a mentor and role model who shaped the lives of many young men. Former players, including DeMarco McNeil, have spoken about Harris’s profound impact. McNeil, who was named Mr. Football in Alabama in 1998, credits Harris for teaching him invaluable life lessons.
“He made me a better football player, a better football coach, and most importantly, a better man,” McNeil shared.
Harris instilled values of discipline, teamwork, and perseverance, molding his players into leaders both on and off the field. His coaching philosophy emphasized not just winning games but building character, which continues to influence generations of athletes.
A Storied Coaching Career
Harris’s journey in football began as a quarterback at Alabama State University, where he developed a deep understanding of the game. His transition into coaching was marked by a relentless pursuit of excellence.
Following his successful tenure at Blount High School, Harris moved into college coaching, serving as an assistant coach and later interim head coach at Alabama State University. He also took the reins at Daleville High School, leading the team to consecutive playoff appearances.
Throughout his 19-year career as a head coach, Harris accumulated an impressive 135 wins, solidifying his place among the greats in high school football history. His ability to turn struggling programs into championship contenders became a defining trait of his coaching career.
Honors and Recognition
Harris’s contributions to the sport have been recognized through multiple Hall of Fame inductions, reflecting his incredible impact on football in Alabama. His accolades include inductions into:
- Alabama State Hall of Fame
- Mobile Sports Hall of Fame
- Baldwin County Sports Hall of Fame
- Alabama High School Sports Hall of Fame
His upcoming induction into the National High School Football Hall of Fame is the crowning achievement in his decorated career, further cementing his legacy as a game-changing coach.
Legacy of a Coach Who Changed the Game
Beyond the trophies, accolades, and championship titles, Ben Harris’s true legacy lies in the countless lives he touched. He was more than a coach—he was a father figure to many of his players, guiding them not only in football but in life. His philosophy centered around love, discipline, and personal growth, values that his players carried with them long after their playing days were over.
As Harris prepares to be honored in Canton, his story serves as an inspiration to future generations of coaches and athletes. His journey from transforming Blount High School into a powerhouse to shaping the lives of young men is a testament to the profound impact that a great coach can have.
With his Hall of Fame induction, Ben Harris’s name will forever be etched among the greatest high school football coaches in history, ensuring that his legacy lives on for years to come.
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Ben Harris’s Journey from Blount High School to National Hall of Fame Induction
Ben Harris’s Journey from Blount High School to National Hall of Fame Induction
Ben Harris’s Journey from Blount High School to National Hall of Fame Induction