HANCEVILLE, Ala.--The Wallace State Softball Press Box was named in memory of Jacob Ross Harris, former Lady Lions team manager and field assistant, during a dedication ceremony at the Bobby McCracken Softball Stadium on Sunday, Oct. 25.  

Wallace State President Vicki Hawsey unveiled lettering for the Jacob Ross Harris Press Box during the ceremony, along with the rendering of a plaque, which will be affixed to the outside of the stadium.   

“He will be forever memorialized here at Wallace State,” she said. 

Harris was the manager for the Lady Lions during two successful seasons that resulted in state championships in 2007 and 2008 and a 2008 national championship. He passed away unexpectedly in April 2009 as the result of a seizure.  

Several college officials who new Jacob especially well offered their memories of him during the ceremony.  

Dr. Tomesa Smith, Vice President of Students, is a close family friend, had known Jacob throughout his life, and served as his Sunday School teacher for a number of years.  

“Jacob was a man of few words but his words were profound,” she said.  Smith recalled that Jacob was a talented guitarist, and one day she asked him if he could teach her to play guitar or if, as an adult, she was too old to learn.  “He simply replied, ‘yes,’” she said.  When she asked, “Do you mean ‘yes you could teach me’ or ‘yes I’m too old,’ again he simply replied, ‘yes’.”     

“He was dedicated to his family, mature, kind, and appreciative.  He would say hello to you even when as a teenager it wasn’t cool to do so,” Smith said.  “Everyone loved Jacob.   I was delighted when he chose to attend Wallace State.”   

Wallace State Head Softball Coach Jayne Clem recalled the first day she met Harris, the day he came into her office to interview for the softball manager’s job.  “I told him all the many jobs involved, and there are many – people don’t realize how much work it is.”  He still wanted the job.    

“For two years, he’d be here working on the field or in the stands, doing what had to be done. I never had to worry – he did whatever it took, running the scoreboard, playing the music, weed eating, dragging and lining the field,” she said “We have so many memories of him. “ 

Assistant Coach Tracy Grindrod added, “He was a great young man who lived life to the fullest.” 

Harris graduated with an Associate in Science degree from Wallace State in December 2008. He attended Wallace State first as a dual enrollment student in fall 2004, and continued his studies at the college after his graduation from Cullman High School in May 2005.   

On Sept. 24, the State Board of Education passed a resolution designating the Jacob Ross Harris Press Box. Hawsey read the resolution aloud to those in attendance, and presented a framed copy to the family.  

“We present this resolution to you, and thank you very much for sharing Jacob with us.,“ she said.   (The text of the resolution is included below.) 

Harris is survived by his parents Doug and Becky Harris, and his grandparents Pete and Glenda Harris and Marlin and Essie Hollingsworth.  

PHOTOS:

RESOLUTION NAMING THE WALLACE STATE COMMUNITY COLLEGE SOFTBALL PRESS BOX IN MEMORY OF JACOB ROSS HARRIS 

            WHEREAS, Jacob Ross Harris was born May 24, 1987 in Cullman, Alabama and passed away on April  11, 2009 in Cullman, Alabama; and 

WHEREAS, Jacob Harris was a loving son and only child to parents Doug and Becky Harris and loving grandson to Pete and Glenda Harris and Marlin and Essie Hollingsworth; and 

WHEREAS, Jacob Harris was a student at Wallace State Community College since beginning as a dual enrollment student through Cullman High School in Fall 2004, graduated from Cullman High School in May 2005, and then attended Wallace State Community College faithfully and graduated with an Associate in Science degree on December 15, 2008; and 

WHEREAS, Jacob Harris served the Wallace State Softball Program diligently as a supporter, field assistant, and team manager for a number of years; and 

WHEREAS, Jacob Harris has shared honors with the team such as state championships in 2007 and 2008 and a National Championship in May 2008; and 

WHEREAS, Jacob Harris has demonstrated lifelong love for Wallace State Community College by generously contributing his time and dedication to the Press Box details of the organization of the softball program; and

WHEREAS, Jacob Harris was respected, admired, and loved by his fellow students, athletes, and staff where, until his death, he supported Wallace State Community College and its softball program; and

WHEREAS, the Chancellor of the Alabama Community College System recommends this action: 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Alabama State Board of Education hereby recognizes and honors the memory of Jacob Ross Harris for his contributions to this community and to Wallace State Community College by naming the existing press box at the Bobby McCracken Softball Field as the Jacob Ross Harris Softball Press Box. 

Adopted by the Alabama State Board of Education this 24th day of September 2009.  

Kristen Holmes
Director, Communications & Marketing
Wallace State Community College
P.O. Box 2000, Hanceville, AL 35077
1-866-350-9722   256-352-8118 direct
256-352-8314 fax   256-339-2519 cell
Visit us online at www.wallacestate.edu