SOUTH PORTLAND, Maine—Michael Harmon is Southern Maine Community College’s student-athlete spotlight of January. Standing six feet at the guard position, Harmon is playing in his second season as a member of the men’s basketball team under Head Coach Matt Richards. Previous to his 2016-17 campaign, Harmon was last a member of the 2012-13 squad that finished 20-11 overall.
In between his stints with the SeaWolves, Harmon served four years in the United States Marine Corp as a 0311 rifleman stationed in Jacksonville, North Carolina. In describing this experience, Harmon commented, “I learned a lot about growing as a person and overcoming adversity. I learned how to work in a team and also what it takes to be a leader when it was my time to step up.”
Harmon has played in all 15 games for the SeaWolves this season averaging 11.5 minutes and 4.3 points per game. He has made 15 of 38 from beyond the arc and ranks second on the team in three-point percentage (39.5) among those with more than one attempt. The 28-year old brings a veteran presence to this year’s team. “My role is to step up in big moments and try to show a professionalism every time I go out on the court. I hope to set an example for some of the younger guys.” Harmon demonstrated just that on November 19 when he beat the buzzer with a game-winning three-pointer to lift his team over conference-opponent Vermont Technical College.
A native of Portland, Maine, Harmon graduated from Portland High School as a three-sport standout in basketball, football, and baseball. “I have played sports my whole life and to have the opportunity to continue as part of a great program at SMCC makes me feel very blessed.”
Harmon enjoys SMCC because it is a small school that offers some of the same benefits of a bigger school. Additionally he says, “It is a uniquely beautiful campus on the ocean.” As for his experience within athletics, Harmon says, “Coach Richards has been a mentor on and off the court for me in my time at SMCC. He has been a great coach, but more importantly has been there to help me in my personal life and advise me throughout my education.”
Harmon, a senior at SMCC, will graduate with his associate of Liberal Studies degree in May and intends to continue his education at a four-year institution with aspirations of becoming a teacher and coach.
When asked who his favorite sports hero is, Harmon answered, “Allen Iverson for the way he played the game with such passion night in and night out and to the tune of his style despite all of his critics.”
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