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Hersey's Harris harnesses potential, is headed for Houston

Hersey baseball coach Bob Huber has had his share of standout players.

In fact, the 23-year veteran hall of famer has coached more than 10 Division I players. and a handful of those were major league draft choices.

The most recent D-I recruit is on this year's team.

Huskies senior Brett Harris has committed to the University of Houston, where he will play baseball.

Harris batted a team-high .400 last spring while playing third base in his third varsity season.

"A lot of what makes him D-I like many others is his potential," Huber said. "Brett has many of the physical characteristics necessary to compete at the next level.

"He's got great size (6-foot-2, 180 pounds with room to grow) and a baseball body. He's very athletic (also soccer player) and moves well. He also possesses some instincts that others his age do not."

In addition to playing for Hersey, Harris has played for the Athletic Barn club baseball team.

"The Athletic Barn and my teammates have really helped me develop into the player I am today," Harris said. "I'm surrounded by great guys there with the same goals and dreams of playing college ball. We are always pushing each other to get better every day."

His travel coach at the Athletic Barn is Tom Barnard.

"He (Barnard) was instrumental in my decision to attend and play for Houston," said Harris, whose sister Morgan is a standout guard for the Carthage College women's basketball team. "I told my mom (Kerry) before I visited Houston that I really needed to love it in order for me to go that far away."

And that is exactly what happened.

"I fell in love with the school, the facilities and the coaches immediately," Harris said. "I instantly pictured myself playing for Houston. Not only is Houston a great academic institution but it offers even a greater baseball experience."

Huber said Harris was fortunate to work and play for Barnard in the summers.

"He (Barnard) has 25-plus years pro ball experience," Huber said. "And has helped a ton of area players go on and play at the next level."

Playing at the next level has been Harris' goal for a long time.

"When I was 7 years old I set two goals," he said. "One was to play varsity high school baseball as a sophomore, and the other was to play D-I baseball. I've worked very hard to obtain these goals and I'm very grateful that both were accomplished."

Baseball has been his passion since he was two years old.

"I don't know exactly what it is, but I'm happiest when I'm playing baseball," Harris said. "And when I'm not playing, I can't wait to get back on the field.

Harris has been in many fields.

With a love for all sports, he has been a multisport athlete. Harris has played high school football, soccer, basketball and soccer. He received all-conference honors for soccer last fall.

Next fall, Harris will be studying special education in Houston.

"I know Brett realizes he has his work cut out for him," Huber said. "Baseball and life is certainly an ongoing process - there is no such thing as a finished product regardless.

"So as you think you have it figured out - you don't. He has work ahead, he is mature beyond his years. I can sit down with Brett, have a discussion, and know that he understands and processes material more so than others. He relates well with everyone."

Harris has always related well with sports

It started with throwing rocks into and across the Des Plaines River in Des Plaines, where he lived at the age of 2. He would literally throw rocks for hours.

At the age of four, he would throw the ball straight up into the air and play catch by himself, for hours on end.

Harris played travel baseball for the Arlington Cardinals, coached by his father, Lance.

"My parents have been there for me throughout all of my baseball career," Brett said. "Whether it is for my baseball lessons or taking me to practice, they have always been there to support me."

When he was 5 years old, Brett made his mom go outside in the pouring rain to play catch.

"That is the kind of support that has gotten me this far," Brett said. "My dad would come home late from work and still would have the energy to go to the batting cages with me to get my swings in."

He and his father set up weekly times and tried to hit at least three times a week since Brett was eight years old.

"My parents have done so much for me and I couldn't see myself where I am today with out them both," Brett said.

"Brett comes from a great family which is supportive of his endeavors but will kick him in the butt when necessary," Huber said. "He's a great kid who can see the 'big picture' which certainly will aid him along the way."

Harris said Huber also aided him along the way.

"Mr. Huber helped me in my college baseball search," Harris said. "He took his own time to call college coaches and to get me an opportunity to play at the next level. His support and effort for me is very appreciated."

Just like Huber has appreciated all of his athletes and assistants.

"I have been privileged and fortunate to have coached so many great kids during all these years," Huber said. "And I have had a ton of help form all our assistants over the years - Tim Lazzaratto, Kevin Kelley, Wally Brownley, Joe Pusatera, Dean Moran, Pete Drevline, Harvey Foster and Mike Manno."

Men's swimming

Michigan State senior Ian Rodriguez (Buffalo Grove) competed in the 2016 Big Ten championships at Purdue University.

He was part of three relays that set new Michigan State records: the 200 medley relay, 200 free relay and 400 medley relay.

Rodriguez also swam a 48.18 in the 100 backstroke, which is a personal-best time and the second-fastest time in MSU history. He swam a lifetime best in his 200 IM, third fastest time in MSU history, and a personal best in his 200 backstroke.

"Ian was a part of several records this week and did a nice job," said Spartans coach Matt Gianiodis on the MSU website. "I've never had a person at MSU who has grown more and matured more than he has. He took it on himself and has done a nice job."

Rodriguez competed in a time trial following the Big Ten championship and swam a 57.10 in the 100-meter backstroke to qualify for the U.S. Olympic Trials in Omaha this June.

• Former Buffalo Grove High School (2009 grad) and University of Illinois swimmer Erin Rodriguez - and the sister of Ian Rodriguez from the preceding item - is an assistant coach for the Lyons Township boys swimming and diving team which won the state championship in February at Evanston High School.

In addition, Rodriguez coaches for Glenbrook Aquatics and is a sixth-grade teacher in the LaGrange school district. Erin Rodriguez is BG's record holder in the 200IM, 100 butterfly, 500 freestyle and 200 freestyle.

Women's basketball

University of Pennsylvania sophomore Alexis Glasgow (Rolling Meadows) will be on the bench for a second straight NCAA D-I tourney team.

The Quakers are making their straight appearance in three years in NCAA tourney after winning the Ivy League championship.

Last year, Glasgow played on Northwestern's NCAA tourney-qualifying team.

Glasgow, now studying business at Pennsylvania, sat out this basketball season at Penn in compliance with NCAA transfer rules.

Men's lacrosse

Augustana freshman Brian Hinsberger (Lake Zurich) has a team-leading six caused turnovers for the Vikings who (2-4) who have won two straight heading into Wednesday's game in Mount Vernon, Iowa against Cornell.

Men's basketball

Eckerd College's Kevin Walsh (St. Viator) and Brad Reibel (Prospect) helped the Tritons to a championship in the Sunshine State conference regular season and also the SSC conference tourney.

Men's track

Augustana sophomore Josh Yamamoto (Fremd) was a member of the Vikings runnerup 4x400 relay team (3:17.16) that nearly defended its national title, coming up less than a half second short to Salisbury State (3:16.69) at the NCAA Division III Indoor National in Grinnell, Iowa.

Yamamoto ran :50.14 in the second slot. In the preliminary round, the same foursome ran 3:19.26 with Yamamoto leading off. That gave Augustana the fifth-fastest time heading into the finals.

• Please email Sports Notes items to jleusch@dailyherald.com

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