CHARLESTON, W.Va. — It was a short life marked with remarkable exploits on the football field and lasting memories for everybody he touched. Family, friends, teammates, and coaches all shared stories Thursday of their time with the late Tyler Harris.
Harris, 25, was tragically murdered last week in a domestic dispute at his home in Lynchburg, Virginia. During his funeral in Charleston, Reverend Matthew Watts noted to those gathered at the First Baptist Church his death was a tragedy, but his short life was a legacy.
“We’re all going to die, the question is when and how. We’re going to leave, we’re going to exit stage right,” said Reverend Watts. “The question will be will we leave a lasting, positive legacy. The coaches have shared with us the powerful, lasting legacy Tyler had on them and countless others.”
Harris was the 2009 Kennedy Award winner and quarterbacked South Charleston to state championships in 2008 and 2009.
“He made everyone around him believe they were better than what they really were,” said South Charleston Head Coach Donnie Mays who was the offensive coordinator for the Black Eagles when Tyler was the starting quarterback. “He made everyone believe, no matter what, we were going to win.”
Mays choked up as he shared unique stories of an individual who was a gifted athlete, one who could turn a busted play into a touchdown in the blink of an eye. The coach added Tyler was also a complete practical joker and could turn a terrible practice session into a winner with one flip of the ball.
George Washington High School Head Coach Steve Edwards Junior, arch rival of the Black Eagles; also spoke. Edwards noted his first shot at a state championship was denied by Harris’ effort. Edwards shared a first hand account of Tyler’s larger than life personality. . According to Edwards, his team had Harris and South Charleston pinned at their own 10 yard line needing only a stop to salt away a win.
“He took the snap and ran to the short side of the field and from where I was standing, I thought we had him and had him hemmed in,” said Edwards. “Well, we didn’t. I was wrong. Out of the pile of bodies Tyler squirted out and ran down that sideline on the way to victory. That’s a site we had all become accustomed to seeing.”
“He left his opponents dumbfounded by his athletic acts on the football field,” said Reverend Watts. “His life may have ended tragically, but his legacy does not have to have a tragic ending because each and every one of you here who knew him, loved him, and were blessed by him you’re able to take something that made him special and make it a part of yourself.”