Monroe middle distance runner signs with Benedict

ALBANY — Naila Harris and Billy Glanton have a unique connection.

Harris, who just finished her senior year at Monroe and ran on the Tornadoes’ track and field team, has a long-held interest in art. So does Glanton, Monroe’s girls track head coach.

“Her sophomore year, she told me that she was interested in art for a college program,” Glanton said. “I shared with her that I graduated with a degree in fine arts. She didn’t believe it, so I had to show her.

“She’s really good. I’ve seen some of her work.”

The two were on the same page when it came to Harris’ college search. Art was going to be part of the equation. The question was whether Harris could find the right track and field program that would allow her to pursue her career goal of being an art therapist.

Harris wound up connecting with Benedict, whose track and field program is putting her on a full scholarship. She signed with the Tigers on Friday.

Part of a team that won the GHSA Class 3A championship last month, Harris anchored Monroe’s group of middle-distance runners. Her specialty was the 800, where she finished third at the state meet, while she also ran one of the legs of the Tornadoes’ state champion 4×400 relay entry.

“It was a great feeling,” Harris said of the team title. “Last year we didn’t win, we lost by five points. We were devastated. So we worked even harder this year to make sure we got the job done.”

Said Glanton, “She was one of the cornerstones of us being able to create a lead and then to keep it. We told her early on in the state meet that part of her responsibility was to get points where they didn’t expect us to get points, and she did that.”

Harris ran club track under the direction of Paul Jones and his Ruff Riders club.

“She’s got a work ethic that she puts in,” Jones said. “It took her awhile to figure out how hard to work out. But now, once she figured it out, she’s going to do what she needs to do at the next level.”

At the collegiate level, Harris intends to compete in the 400, 800 and 1,500 events. She’s also going to run on Benedict’s cross country team.

“I’m ready to get into it and get accustomed to my new school,” Harris said.