impact as a freshman if they give me the opportunity to play right away.”
PHOTO BY ROD THORNBURG
Waiting for his chance
Former Bakersfield High standout wrestler Natrelle Demison is also attending U.S. Air Force Academy Prep School.
Continued from page 71 chance to mature physically. Plus he’ll get a chance to get used to playing at the high altitude of Colorado Springs. “Playing against bigger and more talented guys is only going to make me better,” Harris said. “I’m preparing myself for the academy, so I can go ahead and make an
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Harris certainly hopes that he gets that chance. He’s been waiting for the moment since he was a young child. “A lot of people don’t believe me that I wanted to play Division I basketball since that young, but it’s all I’ve ever wanted to do,” Harris said. “The fact that they recruited me, and that other Division I schools recruited me, was like a dream come true. So when I got the chance to come here, even though I had to spend a year at the prep school, I couldn’t turn it down.” Before Harris can go to the Air Force Academy next year, he will need to secure a nomination from one of California’s two U.S. Senators, or U.S. Congressman Kevin McCarthy, R-Bakersfield. He plans on studying acquisitions next year at the academy, which is similar to a business management degree. Harris isn’t sure about his long-term plans yet, but said he is certain that the road he is on will provide him with the best opportunity for future success. “(The Air Force Academy) is probably one of the most rigorous colleges that you can think of,” Harris said. “It is very stressful and very demanding on you, but the rewards and the benefits that you get while serving your country and moving up in the military rank, it’s unleveled by any other college ... I couldn’t pass that up.”
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Bakersfield Life Magazine
December 2012