Larry Harrington Jr. (1991) - Southern Miss M-Club Hall of Fame

Larry Harrington Jr.

Induction:
1991

We talk about the heritage that we have at the University of Southern Mississippi and in the years since 1910 it has evolved into as strong a tradition as anywhere in the country. But not only do we have tradition in terms of success in the athletic arenas, but family tradition as well.
   Harrington is a name that is synonymous with the University of Southern Mississippi and athletics in particular. W.P. “Smokie” Harrington was one of the early founders of the athletic fund raising arm of the University, and Larry, Jr. was preceded into the Hall of Fame, by his uncle Micky and his father, Doc.
   Larry began his football career in 1976 as a tight end on Coach Bobby Collins second team and even though that team struggled to only two victories that season, those of us around the team at the time realized that Collins had brought in players like Harrington and had laid the groundwork for the successes of the future.
   The tight end has always been an important component of the Golden Eagle and while some will be remembered for their blocking and some for their pass catching skills, Larry excelled at both. In 1976 he caught just two passes, but his blocking out of the Eagles’ veer attack helped tailback Ben “Go-Go” Garry rush for 1,236 yards and eight TDs. In 1977 Harrington caught four passes and again he played a key role in the USM attack. The blocking of Larry and others helped Garry again be one of the nation’s leading rushers with 1,134 yards and 10 TDs in 1978, Harrington was the team’s fourth leading receiver and scored two touchdowns leading the Eagles to a 7-4 record, their best to that point under Collins.
   But not only has Larry Harrington made us proud with his accomplishments in football, but in baseball as well. As a two-year starter for the Eagle baseball team he was a powerful hitter and outstanding defensive player.
   Like many outstanding players over the years at Southern Miss, Harrington was successful because he loved to compete. Whether it was football or baseball, he loved to put the uniform on and go one on one with an opponent. It may sound like a cliché, but he had the heart of a champion and was the consummate team player. A player that was willing to give all that he had each time he stepped on the field. Having been raised in the Hattiesburg area, he also had a great love for Southern Miss and from the time he was small, dreamed of suiting up and playing for the Golden Eagles.
   After graduation Larry began serving as a commissioned officer in the United States Army and he has served in a number of capacities all over the country and the world. His military honors include two meritorious service medals, three Army achievement medals and just recently he received the National Defense Ribbon and the Mississippi War Medal for participation in Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm. Larry also reached the rank of Major in only 10 years.