MALE ACADEMIC ATHLETE OF THE YEAR HARRIS BETHEL, EPISCOPAL COLLEGIATE

12-hour day dependent on self-discipline

Episcopal Collegiate’s Harris Bethel not only participated in four sports for the Wildcats but excelled in them, winning all-state honors in cross country and all-conference honors in football, basketball and soccer.
Episcopal Collegiate’s Harris Bethel not only participated in four sports for the Wildcats but excelled in them, winning all-state honors in cross country and all-conference honors in football, basketball and soccer.

Harris Bethel had no time to waste, so he made the most of his time.

Bethel participated in four sports at Episcopal Collegiate. He also completed nine advanced placement classes and finished as the school's valedictorian. Last fall, Bethel would begin his day at 6 a.m. practicing with his cross country team. Twelve hours later, he would walk off the football practice field.

"I would joke about it, but I was serious, too," Episcopal football Coach Richie Marsh said. "But he was here more than I was."

Bethel, 5-9, 150 pounds, was not just a number on the roster. He was the captain of the football team, an all-state runner for the cross country team and an all-conference player for the Wildcats' football, basketball and soccer teams.

Because of his efforts in both the classroom and on the playing fields, Bethel is the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette's Male Academic Athlete of the Year.

"I think the key was having self-discipline," Bethel said. "My parents instilled that in me very well. They rode me a little more when I was younger, but I think they realized I was pretty good with my time management. They saw that I could handle the schedule I chose for myself."

Bethel said his fall schedule was "pretty hectic" and included waking up at 5:45 a.m. for a 6 a.m. cross country practice. The first of his five classes started at 8:15 a.m. His classes ended at 3:45 p.m. and he was on the football practice field at 4. Football practice would end two hours later. Bethel would then go home, eat dinner and complete his homework by 10 p.m.

"Winter and spring were a lot less taxing," Bethel said. "When cross country ended, I had an extra hour of sleep."

When he did have some downtime, Bethel said he enjoyed playing basketball in the backyard with his brothers.

"I'll play them two-on-one," said Bethel, who is the second oldest of five siblings. "I think my younger brothers have beaten me twice in eight years. ... I love to see them excel and do well when they are playing others, but not when they're playing me."

Bethel's time management helped him survive his exhaustive schedule, but Marsh said Bethel was as tough as any player he has ever coached.

"I say that with no hesitation," Marsh said. "I think that's the most commonly overlooked aspect of his personality. ... When he [Bethel] was a sophomore I saw him get totally destroyed by a [defender]. I mean I thought it was over for him. I ran out to check up on him, but before I could get there, Harris was jogging off the field and is trying to avoid the trainers. He was tough: physically, mentally and emotionally."

Bethel will attend the University of Arkansas in the fall and plans to major in biology.

"I've always had an interest in medicine," Bethel said. "I've grown up around it. Two of my grandparents are doctors. I have aunts and uncles who are doctors. I feel like it's an area I can give back because you're always helping people. Science and math have always been my favorite subjects. Medicine seems like the way I can explore what I love while helping people."

Bethel might not be set on any one area of expertise, but he said he would like to find a job involving sports.

"A dream of mine would be working for the Razorbacks or [Dallas] Cowboys," Bethel said. "That would be my ultimate job."

Marsh said Bethel was like a lot of Episcopal students in that they participated in a lot of activities.

"The difference is that Harris excelled in every sport and with his classes," Marsh said. "Add his great behavior and that set him apart from most every other student."

HARRIS BETHEL

Sports on 07/24/2016

Upcoming Events