HOMETOWN HONOREE: JOHN HARRIS

A TRUE BIG LEX LEGEND

John, his wife, Chriss and their two young children moved to Lexington (Chriss’ hometown) in the summer of 1978. They moved to Lex to be near their parents; his first job in the area was with Cardington High School, as an English and Journalism teacher and high school football, basketball and baseball coach. In 1983, John received a position at Lexington High School, as an English teacher and Head Basketball coach. In 1984, he added Tennis coach to his plate, where he began his team’s domination in Ohio high school tennis. In 1991, John was appointed as the Athletic Director of Lexington High School, a position he held for 21 years. He was inducted into the Ohio High School Tennis Hall of Fame in 1995. To add to his accolades, he was also named Athletic Director of the Year for the state of Ohio in 2012. In 2013, he was inducted into the OHSAA Hall of Fame. John’s contributions to youth sports and academics seemed to be endless.

John with his wife, Chriss, children Jay and Nickie and grandchildren

FOR LOVE OF LEXINGTON

When asked about spending over 40 years in the Lexington school district John noted his love and admiration for the students, teachers, administration and the entire community. He says it’s one of the best places any family could select to raise a family and why they still proudly call Lexington “home”. For decades, student athletes who grew up in Lexington would agree John’s presence could only be explained by the use of clones. From in the stands, standing in the doorway or his nearly famous post along the wall of what seemed like every single game to coaching from the sidelines and on the courts at Lakewood Racquet Club all while leading academic guidance from the classroom or administrative desk, his bandwidth of support seemed nothing short of super human. His time and talents reflected positively in his own children as they both earned opportunities to become college tennis athletes. His son, Jay, has made quite the career of coaching including a highest ever ranking season for Brown tennis after leading back to back Ivy League Championship teams in 2005 and 2006 and a historic rein at Bowling Green being named the Mid-American Conference Coach of the Year.

John and his son Jay became staples at Lakewood Racquet Club

WHAT’S NEXT?

Since formally retiring in the summer of 2013, John still lives in Lexington with his wife, Chriss, of 51 years. They enjoy taking care of their 15 acres of property and watching the wildlife. They also spend a few months of the year at their second home in St. Augustine, FL. John’s daughter, Nickie, lives in the Kansas City metro, and his son, Jay, lives in Long Island, NY. Being retired allows John and Chriss to visit their children and watch their four teenage grandchildren participate in their various interests. Lastly, but high on the retirement priority list, John spends time chasing and traveling to perfect his GOLF game. Like most all other endeavors John has had, we feel pretty confident it will only be met with sincere dedication and a desire to never stop believing in the ideal that with time, practice, and a little patience, the best is yet to come!

John’s love for golf and travel recently took him to the Stone of Accord in Ireland

HOW HE TAKES HIS COFFEE

Decaf Café Mocha

John and his wife, Chriss enjoy time and traditions in Florida

John Harris Chooses: Humane Society of Richland County

WHO THEY ARE

Established in 1884, the Mansfield Humane Society was originally created for the protection of animals, seniors and children. As other programs became available to people, the Humane Society was able to turn its focus solely on the care and protection of animals, receiving its 501c3 non-profit status in 1971. After changing its name to Mansfield-Richland County Humane Society in 1984, in 2005 they became The Humane Society of Richland County. With two humane agents they investigate animal cruelty and neglect cases and to prosecute offenders.

WHAT THEY DO

The Humane Society of Richland County is a 501c3 non profit animal welfare organization. We are not affiliated with the Humane Society of the United States, nor do we receive any state, local or federal funding. All money raised through HSRC is solely through the generosity of our supporters. Their mission is to advocate and compassionately care for the abandoned, abused and neglected animals in our community, and to find them loving homes.

For the month of January, in honor of our #everynickelcounts campaign, a nickel of every sale will be directed to this Richland County based non-profit in honor of John’s love for all furry animals, especially the four-legged canine variety!

For more information or to make a donation please visit:

https://adoptourstrays.com/

John Harris & The Humane Society Of Richland County