THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, June 12, 1996 TAG: 9606120351
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C1 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY PAUL WHITE, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: ELIZABETH CITY LENGTH: 43 lines
Fourteen months after choosing Booker T. Washington's Barry Hamler as its head basketball coach, Elizabeth City State reached back into the high school coaching ranks Tuesday and selected Green Run's Elisha ``Cadillac'' Harris to head its football program.
Harris, 41, led the Stallions to a 49-34 record and the 1995 Beach District title in eight seasons but, like Hamler, will be making his debut on the college level.
``We're not so gung-ho to think we have to have someone from the college ranks,'' Elizabeth City State assistant athletic director T.J. Little said. ``We're more interested in the individual, and the credentials of the individual. We think (Harris) is the right man at the right time.''
The new coach won't be a novice to the CIAA, however. Harris starred as as outside linebacker at Norfolk State, where he also earned a degree in heath and physical education.
Harris, the Vikings' fourth head coach this decade, takes over for George Moody, who resigned after three seasons. The Vikings finished with a 7-4 record last season; Harris' last two Green Run teams went a combined 20-3.
``We expect great things,'' Vikings athletic director Dr. Edward McLean said.
Harris' appointment should also help Elizabeth City State recruit locally. Last year, only four of the 72 players on the team's roster were from South Hampton Roads.
Generally considered the most talented team in South Hampton Roads, Harris' 1995 Stallions featured seniors in 18 of the 22 starting positions. But Harris bristled at the suggestion that the mass exodus of blue-chip talent might have played a part in his departure.
``Green Run is still talented,'' Harris said. ``Anyone who thinks Green Run is not going to be in position to contend for a championship is going to be surprised.'' ILLUSTRATION: Color photo
Elisha ``Cadillac'' Harris, 41, led the Green Run Stallions to a
49-34 record and the 1995 Beach District football title in eight
seasons. by CNB