Dhorta Harrise

Dhorta Harrise (a.k.a. Dharta Harris)

Class of 1983

Year Inducted: 2003

Dharta Harris graduated from Bennett in 1983. His career as a Bennett Tiger is legendary. A three sport standout in track, swimming, and cross country, he was a man for all seasons.

Dharta was a 4 year performer in track, gaining All High and All Western New York laurels in high hurdles, intermediate hurdles, and the long jump. His peak performances include a Section VI record 14.4 seconds in the high hurdles, a Section VI record 53.76 seconds in the 400 meter intermediate hurdles, and a school record 22′ 5 3/4″ in the long jump.

Harris displayed his talents in the pool, lettering all 4 years and achieving All High in 3 events. He set a city record in the 50 yard free style, churning to a time of 22.6 seconds. In the 60 yard freestyle, his city record time was a sparkling 28.0 seconds. To complete the triple, Dharta also set the Buffalo record of 51.2 seconds in the 100 yard freestyle.

Dharta lettered all 4 years in cross country, and was a starter on the Bennett team that won the 1983 Columbia Cup championship. Harris attended the University of Alabama on a full track scholarship after graduating from Bennett. As a member of the Crimson Tide track team, he became an outstanding intermediate hurdler. He finished as high as 5th in the Southeast Conference track meet.

As an Army military man, Dharta became a decathlon competitor, winning several championships.