Harris likes hectic pace with Lions

There isn't an appointment book on the market that can accommodate the busy personal schedule of Jonathan Harris.

The St. Viator senior has somehow been able to balance club sports, academics, countless school activities, playing and starring for the Lions in soccer and place-kicking for the football team.

Harris recently made a verbal commitment to attend Northwestern to play for soccer coach Tim Lenahan and his fast-rising program, which last year fell one victory short of playing in the NCAA College Cup.

"I don't think I would have it any other way," said Harris when asked why he took on this breakneck pace since entering the doors of the Arlington Heights campus.

If there was a doubt in that answer, consider he had just finished running 8 miles on a hot muggy morning with his teammates for head coach Mike Taylor at a local park, before heading back to school and a 45-minute session with football coach Chris Kirkpatrick and some extra work kicking.

"I was a little gassed out there today," said Harris, who was a little better than 50 percent on kicks from 30 yards.

Later that night, he turned his attention to a much- needed boost in his social life at a Kenny Chesney concert.

"Jon came in right from the start and did whatever it took to play, and he immediately proved that he belonged with the big club, and that he was a leader, even as a freshman," said Taylor.

Taylor and Kirkpatrick figured out a way to ease training last fall, when Harris approached the football coach with his intention of kicking.

"I don't think anyone ever played two sports in the same season at Viator," said Harris, who last season nearly missed a football game at Marian Catholic at 7:30 when a 4:30 soccer match was eventually canceled.

On Saturday, Harris got the shutout in goal in the morning against Palatine. In the afternoon, he hit all 3 of his extra points and punted twice for a 32-yard average in a 31-6 win over Hersey.

When the Lions make their annual trip to Peoria for a two-day soccer tournament in late September, Harris will be forced to miss a football game at Notre Dame.

Harris began his high school career at a special time. He was part of a memorable run toward a third-place finish at the Class A state soccer tournament.

With all-state keeper Konrad Karasek in front of him, Harris worked his way on to the pitch, mostly up top as an energy guy off the bench for Taylor, and sometimes as a starter.

"He just said to me that he wanted to play anywhere and just help the team," Taylor said.

"He is such a great athlete, and he adapted so well despite not really having a whole lot of experience as a forward. But he showed then he was a leader with a terrific work rate and desire to give all that he had for as long as he was out there."

Although he played seven matches at his natural position, it was incoming keeper Sebastian Domczewski who would start more often in goal. Harris' value to the team was as a field player, this time along the back-line

With Domczeski back for his final season last fall, Harris was a permanent fixture as the Lions' sweeper, where he earned all-ESCC honors and a spot on the Daily Herald's all-area team. He was a near miss for all-state.

Thanks to hundreds of hours training as a keeper, Harris used the skills and knowledge that he gained and transferred that over to his successful season last year to solidify a young defense.

Tackling without fear, striking masterful dead-balls and corners and initiating play out of the back with ease all helped guarantee a season with awards.

Harris will have the keeper position all to himself in his final year of high school.

"I enjoyed playing wherever I was needed," he said, "but I am really looking forward to being our keeper and to help our team, and to begin preparation for playing that position at Northwestern."

That Harris signed to play for a major-college program (over Marquette and Creighton) should come as no surprise.

Technically gifted as a keeper, a position he's trained at nearly his entire life, Harris has put together an impressive resume outside of high school: U.S. national team (2004, 2005), U.S. national team pool player (2003, 2006), Olympic Development Player (ODP) 2002-2006, ODP Illinois state team (2002-06), 2004 Adidas All-American and keeper when it played under-15 teams from Mexico's Chivas and Cruz Azul sides.

Then there was tournament play at the Mediterranean International Cup in Barcelona, Spain in 2005.

"What I like best about Jonathan is how comfortable he is around adults," said Conant coach Tony Kees, "and the way he carries himself and communicates with others. He goes beyond what kids his age should be aware of. He's astute and mature beyond his years, and he's one heck of a footballer too."

Kees also coached Harris when he was with the 2003 ODP Illinois State team and at the 2006 ODP Nationals.

"Others see how hard he works, even when he comes over from soccer practice," adds Kirkpatrick, who last season watched Harris forced a pair of turnovers with a pair of pooch kicks and record a TD-saving tackle as well.

"We're thrilled to have him with us and be another weapon in our attack. But more important he brings terrific energy and a first-class work ethic that has allowed him to handle both sports, and to be a leader of each team."

The Lions' captain also has an extra-curricular schedule which is just as frantic as his sports calendar, which includes senior class vice-president, student council, 2006 school representitive at the Illinois State Leadership Conference, and several other service club activities.

"I have enjoyed going to school at St. Viator, and I would not have changed a thing that I've done while here. There are no regrets," said the 2006 soccer MVP.

"It's great to have next year already taken care of, but with that said, I am planning on working harder than ever with both my academics and athletics so I can go to Northwestern next fall and be ready for anything that comes my way."