In his sophomore year at Grace College (Ind.), Mount Gilead graduate Xavier Harris broke a 34-year-old record. Harris hit 11 home runs in 46 games for the Lancers to break the old record of 10.
“I’m blessed by God and the talent given to me,” said Harris. “I broke a record held there for a long time.”
Interestingly, as a freshman, Harris didn’t hit any home runs. He noted that a coaching change played a role in his power outburst this year.
“Our new head coach (Cam Screeton) helped me a lot,” he said. “I hit the weight room and that gave me the jump in power I needed.”
For the season, Harris batted a team-leading .285 with 31 runs batted in and 34 runs scored. He also led the team in slugging percentage and on-base percentage in starting 46 of the team’s 47 games. For his efforts, he was named to the NCCAA Midwest All-Region Team.
“I’m looking to build off this,” he said. “I’m staying on campus this summer and working out. I hope to break the record again next year.”
