Hall of Champions
Like many athletics administrators, Ed Harris' career began as that of a coach. In this case, it was on the tennis court. But, Harris will always be remembered as an outstanding athletic director and one that positioned West Texas A&M for where it stands today.
A graduate of North Carolina-Ashville, Harris' athletic administration career began in 1981 at UNC-A. He later moved to Missouri Western State, where he was served as athletics director for 10 years before coming to WT in the summer of 1995.
In Harris' years at WT, spanning 1995-2006, many of the Buff and Lady Buff programs enjoyed unparalleled success.
The women's basketball team advanced to the Elite Eight in 1997 while the men's team did so in 1998. The volleyball team went to four Elite Eights and won the national title in 1997 and the University hosted the Elite Eight in 2002.
Also during his time overseeing WT's athletics programs, the University added softball, baseball, equestrian and both men's and women's golf to the slate of programs fielded. Off the field, the First United Bank Center opened during his tenure, as well as facility improvements to the WT Fieldhouse as well as Kimbrough Memorial Stadium.
A leader at both the NCAA and conference levels, he served on numerous committees, including the NCAA Management Council and the NCAA Division II Championships Committee. Harris retired as WT's athletics director in 2006 and served briefly as the interim athletic director at Midwestern State in 2007.
