Aycock's Harmon commits to BCC

By Rudy Coggins
Published in Sports on July 22, 2007 2:01 AM

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PIKEVILLE -- Kyle Harmon couldn't have written a better script for his lone varsity season at Charles B. Aycock.

And he undoubtedly played the perfect supporting role.

Starting behind an all-star cast of Division I pitchers, Harmon answered the call when head coach Charles Davis needed his services. The right-hander notched three wins, two saves and helped the Golden Falcons complete their storybook season with a Class 3-A state championship.

Once the curtain closed on Aycock's 35-game run, Harmon didn't wait long for another casting call. Brunswick Community College scouts watched him during the state playoffs and didn't waste time making an offer.

Harmon visited the campus, which is located between Wilmington and Myrtle Beach. He officially committed to the Division I junior college program, making him the seventh Aycock player to extend his baseball career.

"You can't complain about where the school is," said Harmon, the 18-year son of Steve and Alicia Harmon of Fremont. "The players they have coming, for a first-year program, makes me think we should have a real good team. Everybody is going to get playing time and everybody should get exposure to help them get to the next level."

Harmon is the fourth area player to commit to BCC. He'll join Rosewood graduates David Smeltzer and Goss Kendall, and Princeton's Denver Nixon. Nixon helped lead the Bulldogs to the N.C. High School Athletic Association 1-A state title.

"I think it's a great decision and I think Kyle will fit in well with them," said coach Davis. "I'm tickled to death for him because he worked hard to get the opportunity to further his education, and play baseball."

Davis never worried about the 5-foot-11, 174-pound Harmon shrinking into the shadows and willing to remain an understudy this spring. He gave C.B. Aycock quality innings in key situations and helped spell a starting rotation that toiled through three games a week.

"He wanted the ball and that's the number one thing you want in a pitcher," said Davis. "He throws his curveball for strikes and he's not afraid to face any hitters. No matter the inning or what batter was up, he came in and got some quality outs for us in key situations.

"He's going to have to keep that mentality in college."

Harmon understands he's not been awarded a role on BCC's team. He'll have to prove himself worthy of a starting spot, either as a pitcher or position player. Conditioning and daily bullpen work is on Harmon's agenda until he reports for fall practice.

"When we come back in the fall, they're going to really find out (each practice) where everybody can play," said Harmon. "After watching us, then he'll know exactly what we all can do."

The BCC coaching staff hasn't given the players workout orders. They want everyone to get accustomed to the atmosphere and begin battling it out for starting spots the first week of school.

BCC will play its first season of competition at West Brunswick High School in Shallotte. School officials hope a playable baseball field will be completed in time for the 2009 season.

Harmon eagerly awaits his chance to help establish the new program.

"You have to go in with an open mind, give it all you've got and try to set the bar high (for the next team)," said Harmon. "The guys we do have are going to be pretty good. Some were on other state championship teams."