Louis Richard Harris

Parker-Gray High, Alexandria (1963)
Football

Louis Harris was a “Straight A” student who was captain of the baseball, football and basketball teams for four years. He was a starting forward on the 1963 Parker-Gray VIA Group I State Runner-up Basketball Team. He was also one of the first African Americans in Alexandria to play American Legion Baseball. Lou attended Kent State University in Ohio where he set the school record with 19 pass interceptions in only 23 games. In two consecutive games, he intercepted three passes in each. He was first team All Mid-American Conference at free safety in his junior and senior years. A Sports Illustrated and Playboy Magazine All-American selection in his senior year, he played defensive back for the Pittsburg Steelers (1968-69). In 1970 he returned to Kent State University and completed requirements for his B. S. degree in Engineering Technology. After his NFL career he worked for several engineering firms in Ohio and Washington, D. C. He was also recognized for outstanding performance as an employee of the U. S. Department of Energy. After his death, the department created the Louis R. Harris Federal Energy and Water Management Award, which was given in his memory. The award was based on his belief in high professional standards, team-building skills, effective communications and a commitment to community service. Mr. Harris was posthumously elected to the Alexandria, VA African American Hall of Fame in 2013.