Harrison Geared Up for MIAA Championships

By David Boyce

The first time junior Malcolm Harrison looked at Northwest Missouri's tennis schedule, the dates April 24-25 stood out for him.

Harrison quickly noticed the site of the MIAA tennis championships: the Plaza tennis courts.

“I think it is going to be an unbelievable weekend,” Harrison said. “There are a lot of people who helped me get where I'm at and supported me and they will get a chance to see me play. They worked hard for me. Hopefully, I can go out and play well.”

Harrison will definitely have a few people watching him. In his first season at Northwest Missouri, Harrison is 17-3 on a team ranked No. 21 in NCAA Division II.

Besides being one of the top players in the MIAA, Harrison has strong ties to Kansas City.

From the time he was just barely taller than a tennis racket, Harrison, his father and younger brother practiced almost every day at the courts at Kansas City Kansas Community College.

“It was vital,” Harrison said. “That's why I'm the player I am today. We spent hours, growing up on the court. It was just us, the three of us, my dad, my brother and me.

“We worked as hard as we possibly could to get every edge to be better tennis players. That's the only reason I'm here now doing the things that I do.”

When he was old enough to go to high school, Harrison went to Rockhurst. In his three years there, Harrison helped the Hawklets win three state team titles. Harrison also won a doubles state championship and a singles state title.

“I've known about him a long time,” Northwest Missouri coach Mark Rosewell said.

“I knew he was a good player, but he's having a phenomenal year. He stubbed his toe here recently. Gosh, he's won all his matches but (three), and that's pretty good.”

It took Harrison a few stops before he made his way to Maryville, Mo. He began his college career at Tyler Community College. Harrison didn't play much.

His next stop was much better. Last year, Harrison played at Johnson County Community College and had plenty of success.

“I got a chance to play a lot of matches and be competitive,” Harrison said. “Johnson County helped me get back into the flow in a competitive environment, and that helped me a lot.”

Harrison has taken all those experiences to help him have a very good first year at Northwest Missouri.

“I like it a lot here,” he said. “I like the guys on the team. I think we are bonding pretty well. I think we have a good chance at going to nationals and going deep so I'm excited about it.

“It's different everywhere you go, but the principles are the same. You work hard and try to do the things to be successful. It's an adjustment. Every place you meet new people.”

Rosewell expects Harrison to spend his senior year at Northwest Missouri. He definitely likes what Harrison brings to his team.

It's going to take Harrison to be on top of his game along with the rest of the Bearcats to have a chance to win the conference tournament.

Rosewell figures the regular season will end in a three-way tie with Washburn and Southwest Baptist.

“We are having an outstanding year,” Rosewell said. “It's going to be close. Southwest Baptist beat us 5-4 and we beat Washburn 5-4 and Washburn beat Southwest Baptist 5-4. That's how close it's going to be.”

And that should make for some very competitive and enthusiastic matches at the Plaza in 10 days.

Rosewell is thrilled that MIAA commissioner Jim Johnson moved the conference tournament to Kansas City last year.

“Since Jim Johnson moved the tournament to the Plaza it has been really great,” Rosewell said. “You have all the teams at the same place, men and women.”

And it will allow Harrison to show his family and friends exactly where his game is at these days.

“He has an all-court game,” Rosewell said. “He can stay at the baseline and punch you out. He has a big serve and a great volley. He's quick and athletic. He's the total package.”