When Vince Harrison was 6, his playtime used to get interrupted because his friend had to leave for football practice. So Vince decided to join the team.
Soon he was playing basketball and baseball, too, and he hasn't slowed down since.
"I just keep playing and having fun," said Vince, the Enquirer's male Athlete of the Year. "I always hate it when one season ends, but then I have another sport to play."
Harrison has played varsity in those three sports for three years at Princeton. He'll slow down next year, playing just football and baseball at the University of Kentucky.
The 5-foot-11, 185 pounder played key positions in all three sports: quarterback, guard and shortstop.
His coaches praise his athletic abilities, as well as his poise and his leadership.
"He's the most poised money man I've ever seen," said Princeton football coach Bryan Deal said. "When it gets down to the nitty-gritty, he's the guy you want to have the ball in his hands, the guy you want at the free-throw line, the guy you want at the plate."
Both baseball coach Bill Leach and basketball coach Paul Andrews say with Harrison it's like having another coach on the field.
"He's always been one step ahead of me," Leach said. "I'd be walking out of the dugout and he'd already be over talking to the players and making adjustments. He has such a great knowledge of the game."
Harrison enjoys taking on added responsibility. He served as captain for all three teams.
"When I started playing varsity as a sophomore and saw the respect the captains got, I knew I wanted to be in that position," he said. "To lead by example."
Harrison will be attending Kentucky on a football scholarship, with the understanding he'll be allowed to play baseball. But he's still hesitant to say good-bye to his basketball career.
"I think I might try to walk on in a year or two."
With Heisman Trophy candidate Tim Couch at Kentucky, there won't be room for Harrison at quarterback. Instead, he'll play wide receiver.
He's excited about getting into Coach Hal Mumme's pass-oriented offense.
"I like his system," Harrison said. "Whoever gets the job done gets to play."
"He might wind up at defensive back," Deal said. "But coach Mumme said he doesn't know how they can take the ball out of his hands offensively. He's so electric."
Harrison's coaches say he's one of the most natural athletes they've ever seen, and he truly loves all three sports.
"It's hard for me to say that one sport comes easier," he said. "But I can say that baseball is definitely the easiest on my body." It is also the one he thinks he has the best shot at playing professionally. He was drafted by the Marlins in the 30th round this year, and thinks he can improve his chances after a few years at UK.
Harrison said he picked Kentucky because he wanted to go away from home, but not too far away. His mother also has family in Lexington, and family is important to him.
"My mom and dad always supported me whatever I did," he said. "They never tried to get me to give up any of the sports.
"And I think they spend more gas money than anybody," he added, noting that one or both attended everyone of his football and basketball games, and a lot of baseball games."
Harrison has two younger brothers, Vashaun, 15, and Joshua, 10, who also play three sports each, but he isn't worried about his success intimidating him.
"If anything, it's a motivation for them," he said. "I always say that my youngest brother is going to be better than all of us." The entryway to the Harrison home is lined with shelves filled with their trophies and other awards. And, sitting in a special place of honor, is Vince's high school diploma. He graduated with a 3.0 grade-point average and will study business administration. "We're real proud that he's done so well, and not just the sports. He's also kept up his grades," his mom Bonita said. "He's still young, but it seems like he's been working hard for such a long time."
