DeMatha's Harris Earns Heartfelt Win by Greg Brice, The Washington Post
When DeMatha High School wrestler Willie Harris was growing up, he did everything with his best friend, Bernard Allen. Now, seven months after Allen's death, Harris is doing everything for him, dedicating the season to his fallen friend.

Last night the All-Met senior honored Allen by winning the 119-pound title and leading the top-ranked Stags to victory at the Arundel Invitational Wrestling Tournament in Gambrills, Md. Arundel, which hosted the 10-team event, took second place followed by Northeast, Sherwood and Quince Orchard.

"I still can't believe he's gone," said Harris, who improved to 28-1. "I took it for granted that he'd always be there and now he's gone."

Though he lost touch with Allen when he decided to attend DeMatha four years ago, Harris still hung out with Allen whenever he could. That all changed on June 3, when Allen was shot twice in the head and died on a street in Washington.

"We grew up in a tough neighborhood so we were used to violence," said Harris, who was raised in Southeast but has since moved to Northwest.

"We never really talked about death or anything, but it was all around us."

Though Harris regrets losing touch with his friend, he does not regret his decision to attend DeMatha. Since arriving at the Hyattsville school, Harris has become one of Maryland's best wrestlers, compiling a career record of 138-35.

A two-time state and three-time Washington Catholic Athletic Conference champion, Harris placed fourth at the national prep meet at 112 pounds.

"Willie is a great wrestler," said DeMatha Coach Dick Messier. "He's great on his feet. He's good on defense but also an excellent take-down man. He has high percentage moves and he does not make many mistakes."

Though he has won a number of tournaments this season, Harris said last night's victory was unique because he got to compete against one of Maryland's top public school wrestlers-Arundel senior Pat Ortman.

"We don't see the public schools too much during the season so it was nice to wrestle against them tonight," said Harris, who defeated Ortman, 9-3. "It's sort of like bragging rights for the winner."

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