June 29, 2018
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - Penn State mid-distance runner Isaiah Harris (Lewiston, Maine) signed a professional contract with Nike and will forgo his final year of collegiate eligibility. Harris will continue to train at Penn State and will complete his degree next spring.
"Penn State provided me with the resources, coaching, support, and opportunity to make it to the next level," Harris said. "I've always had a great group to train with and Coach Gondak has always believed in me and has supported me throughout the whole process. My time at Penn State and as a part of the team will be something I will hold close to me for rest of my life. I've made my best memories at that track and with that group of people. I hope to be a part of the program for many more years to come."
Harris concludes his time as a Nittany Lion as a decorated student-athlete with numerous First Team All-America plaudits and individual championships.
"Isaiah has had an amazing career in a Penn State uniform," head coach John Gondak said. "I can still remember driving him around during his recruiting visit thinking `Isaiah is a perfect fit for Penn State' and four years later that has proven true. Academically and athletically, Isaiah represents Penn State with passion and pride and I am thrilled for him to end his career with an NCAA Championship in the 800. I am proud of him for staying committed to earning his degree as he embarks on the next stage of his career running for Nike."
After taking second in his professional debut this past Sunday in the final of the men's 800-meter run at the USATF Outdoor Championships, Harris is scheduled to compete in the men's 800-meter run at the Diamond League in Paris on Saturday, June 30. The meet will be shown live on NBC's Olympic Channel at 3:10 p.m. (EDT)
Harris' Career Highlights
2018 NCAA Outdoor 800-Meter Champion
Two-time NCAA 800-Meter Runner-Up
Two-time Silver Medalist at the USATF Outdoor Championships
Five-time First Team All-American
Eight-time Big Ten Champion
2017 IAAF World Championships Semifinalist
2018 Big Ten Outdoor Track Athlete of the Championships
2018 Big Ten Outdoor Track Athlete of the Year
Three-time Penn Relays Champion
Three-time USTFCCCA Mid-Atlantic Track Athlete of the Year
Four Penn State School Records
Big Ten Meet 800-Meter Record Holder - indoor and outdoor
Academic All-Big Ten