Harmon signs on at LCCC
MELHS senior will continue his golf career
Last Tuesday was an important day in the life of Metro-East Lutheran senior Travis Harmon.
Harmon, a talented prep golfer for the Knights, signed a letter of intent to continue his career on the links with the Lewis and Clark Community College Trailblazers. It was a decision Harmon conveyed as a simple one.
“Lewis and Clark was first choice,” said Harmon, who has been an integral part of MELHS’ success on the links over the past four years, including the squad’s Class A Alton-Marquette Regional title in 2008.
Now Harmon is just glad to see his hard work at Metro come to fruition and parlay it into a collegiate career.
“It feels pretty good with all the growing up from all the practicing all the time at Oak Brook (Golf Course) and finally taking it to another level in college,” he said. “I’m very happy for myself.”
Harmon will join a thin lineup at LCCC. Currently the Trailblazers team, under the direction of head coach Mike Brasher, only carries six linksters.
Maybe with the small roster, Harmon can fulfill his dream of taking his career even further.
“After the two years at Lewis and Clark, I’d like to maybe continue to a four-year (college) in golf with another scholarship somewhere else,” Harmon said.
According to Harmon, probably what placed him on the radar at LCCC was his excellent performance at regionals on Oct. 7, 2008.
“I think it did, having that 74 at regionals during the rain and sleet and all that,” said Harmon. “I really believe that did, yes.”
With putrid weather encompassing Rolling Hills Golf Course in Godfrey, Harmon buckled down and guided his Knights’ team to a regional championship while finishing one stroke off medalist Andrew Jorn of Hillsboro.
At the time, Harmon enjoyed playing under blanketing rain and traipsing on soupy ground.
“I figured I’d do pretty well,” he said after regionals. “I figured I’d shoot in the 70s. Believe me, I like the wind and the rain.”
And with the confidence he gained with the regional performance and over his entire tenure at MELHS from his two coaches, Will Catalano and Andrew Gwinup, Harmon plans to succeed as a Trailblazer, too.
“Just growing up with my coaches and all the teachings they gave me,” Harmon said of what he will carry with him from Metro to the collegiate ranks. “Hopefully I can bring it to the next level with all the stuff they gave me.”
