Mount Olive's Harrison enjoying memorable trip

By Ryan Hanchett
Published in Sports on May 28, 2008 1:51 PM

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SAUGET, Ill. - Josh Harrison is enjoying a week that he will never forget.

On Monday afternoon, the Mount Olive center fielder popped the game-winning hit in the Trojans' 6-5 win over Ouatchita Baptist.

On Monday night, he popped the question.

During the team's trip into nearby St. Louis, Harrison found the perfect opportunity to ask his long-time girlfriend to be his wife.

"I thought about waiting until this summer when we are going to the beach with our parents," said Harrison. "But then when the team made it to the World Series I got the ring, and after that I just couldn't wait anymore."

"We went to the arch, and I saw some horse-drawn carriages and I thought that this was how it was going to be. So we went on a ride around St. Louis for a little while and that's when I asked."

Harrison was admittedly relieved when his fiancée said "yes."

"I was so nervous ... way more nervous than when I am playing baseball," said Harrison. "I was so worried about actually asking that I forget how I worded it exactly."

The pair are a true Trojan connection

"We met at school in Mount Olive last year," said Harrison. "But she has two more years until graduation, so nothing is planned as far as the wedding."

For the senior from Wake Forest, the week in Sauget has been all smiles in spite of rainy and cold conditions as well as multiple-delayed games.

"It is so great to be here and to have my family at the park supporting me," said Harrison, who has started all but one of the Trojans' games this season. "They have been awesome since day one, and they take every opportunity they can to come watch me play.

"I love them all and I certainly couldn't ask for any better than what I have been given."

Harrison has hit safely and driven in a run in each of Mount Olive's first two games at the CWS. The wide-ranging outfielder has also been a stable presence in the MOC defense.