Signing a national letter of intent can be a moment filled with uncertainty.
Not for C.B. Aycock’s S.J. Harris, who made his college decision on Tuesday.
Harris signed a national letter of intent to baseball at Belmont Abbey College.
“It’s been a whirlwind of a time, but it’s amazing,” Harris said. “It has been crazy with COVID, so I want to thank everybody for helping me through these times.
“I’m happy to a part of the club of Aycock players that were able to go play at the next level. Coach Thomas is a great coach, and he’s helped me since I was a freshman.”
Harris chose Belmont Abbey because of the way the coaches and players treated him. During a visit, coaches and players went out of their way to talk with Harris.
“I went there for a camp, and then I went on a tour after the camp,” Harris said. “It’s a crazy opportunity, and I’m appreciate everything Belmont Abbey has done for my family and me.”
C.B. Aycock head coach Allen Thomas said Belmont Abbey is getting a hard-working student-athlete who is determined to succeed at the college level.
“With all of the stuff going on, it’s great to have kids sign. It’s always exciting for the program and for the kids,” Thomas said. “He’s a great player, and he’s been in the program for four years, so I expect some good leadership out of him this year.
“He’ll do well at the next level. He really loves the game and wants to get better.”
Playing on C.B. Aycock’s junior varsity squad during his sophomore season, Harris put up impressive numbers. He posted a.375 batting average, .547 on-base percentage and 10 RBIs.
As a junior, Harris moved up to the varsity team, but the season was cut short because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
So, heading into his senior season, Harris is excited to play a full season on the varsity level and help C.B. Aycock reach the playoffs for the first time since 2018.
“Hopefully, we can bring a state title back to Aycock because we haven’t had one in a while,” Harris said. “Even though it is a shortened season, hopefully, we can get it done.
“Also, to grow stronger with the group of guys here now, and to help them get offers.”
Harris, who plans on majoring in business finance, said being nearly four hours away from home, he is hoping his family and friends will come to some Belmont Abbey games during the season.
