Harris ignites Blue golfers

Golf is a tranquil sport, relaxing and serene.

Michael Harris doesn't like tranquil, relaxing or serene sports. Harris is a competitor. He works hard, plays hard and is one of the best in the Big Ten. Rules are not his thing. Harris is a golf rebel without a cause, breaking putters and opponents like none other. This man is not Tiger Woods.

When the Michigan's men golf team started the season, not much was expected out of the young team with only one returning player - Harris. This was supposed to be a rebuilding year for the Wolverines, and it appeared to be just that when Michigan finished in the back of the pack at its first two invitationals.

Then Harris decided he had enough, and he broke through at the Kroger Intercollegiate, taking the title. Harris finished first again at the Persimmon Ridge Intercollegiate the next week. His performance propelled the team to a second place finish overall, its best showing all year.

Harris went on to lead the Wolverines in scoring for the rest of the season, racking up another first place finish at the Marshall Invitational April 10-11.

But when Harris gets mad, he isn't afraid to show it. At the Keppler Intercollegiate, Harris missed a putt on the final hole, losing first place in the tournament. He also lost his cool. Harris went on a rampage which led to his disqualification.

Harris led Michigan to a strong finishing at the Big Ten Championships to end the season in fifth place in the conference. He kept himself composed on the third day and shot an unbelievable 67, cementing the Wolverines in the top five.

"He was a shoe-in," coach Jim Carras said of Harris making the all-Big Ten squad.

Michigan should return as a more experienced team next year with Harris leading the way for his senior year.

"We are looking forward to next year," said Carras.

05-18-98