Kirk’s Captain Corner is a regular feature that will allow Carver County residents to get to know the student-leaders of the various teams in the local high schools. Today, we feature senior Captain Fred Harris of the Chaska boys track & field team.
You are quickly moving up the record boards as one of the fastest sprinters in Chaska High School history. When did you discover sprinting as an event you would excel at?
My passion for sprinting began early, but it wasn’t until I joined the high school team in eighth grade and took my training more seriously that I realized how much potential I had. From then on, I knew that with hard work and dedication, I could become truly competitive.
Your 4×100 relay is knocking on the door of the all-time school record. What will you need to do to push it over the top?
The 4×100 is a team event. What we all need to do is practice as hard as we can every single practice. As well as execute on all aspects of the race on meet days.
What are your goals for the season — both individually and for the Chaska team?
I really want to break the school record for the 100-meter dash and the 4×100-meter relay. From a team perspective, I want Chaska to win conference and send as many athletes to state as possible.
Your father, Fred, was a Division I football player at Duke University, and your mother Kelly is a health and wellness teacher and coach at Chaska High School. What lessons have they taught you that you’ve leaned on for your own athletic career?
The biggest lesson they taught me is you can’t out work a bad diet, and taking care of your body is very important.
Next year, you will attend Bethel University and run track. What made you decide to become a Royal?
My passion for track and to compete at the next level is the biggest reason. I chose to be a Royal because I love that it’s a Christian-based school, and the campus is beautiful. The track program is really successful, and I built a strong relationship with Coach Rock already.
Your faith is a big part of your life, and you’ve been an active leader in the local community and Chaska’s Fellowship of Christian Athletes chapter. How do you encourage younger athletes to grow in their faith?
I enjoy inviting my teammates to FCA and encouraging them to grow in their faith. It’s meaningful to be able to support and lift up others through both athletics and faith.
What does it mean to you to be a team captain?
Being a captain means putting the team before yourself at all times. It’s about setting the standard in work ethic, attitude and accountability. I see it as being someone my teammates can rely on. Whether that’s pushing them at practice, encouraging them during tough moments, or holding them accountable when needed.
Chaska’s Track and Field teams host a Metro West Conference home meet today, Tuesday the 28, starting at 3 p.m., at Chaska High School Stadium.
