#MediaMonday – Craig Harris

Each Monday, we are posting a blog to help our readers get to know the media just a little bit better.
With a TWIST!
No, we aren’t posting story pitch tips or media lists, but instead great stories from the media themselves about their lives, their work and other little known facts! Think of it as your first “networking” opportunity of the week!
Today’s #MediaMonday comes to us from two-time Arizona Republic reporter Craig Harris.
So, Craig, time to share!
What do you want to tell the blogosphere about yourself today?
When I was at the University of Oregon, I once asked one of my college literature professors for help on an essay after he gave me a “C+.” He looked at me and said: “Son, your writing is beyond what I can repair.”
There are plenty of newspaper editors who probably think the same thing, but I have somehow lasted nearly two decades in this profession.
I started my career in Oregon (God’s country), and I have worked in Indiana (definitely not God’s country) and Washington state (a close second to God’s country). This is my second stint at the Arizona Republic (00-06 and 08 to present), and I have covered local government, politics, sports and business. The biggest thrill of my career was interviewing Billy Graham.
My biggest accomplishment is my family. I married up as my wife has a doctoral degree and is a professor. Thankfully, our kids got her brains, good looks and kind heart. My only complaint with my wife is she starts most days by reading Clay Thompson’s Arizona Republic columns. She usually laughs out loud and then reads the column to me while complimenting his writing talents. Clay would have received an “A” in my college lit class.
Also, I love sports and dreamed of pitching for the Yankees as a child.
In high school, I was the No. 7 pitcher, which means I sat on the bench most of the time. However, I did get a chance to start once, and I threw a complete game, no hitter. (True story).
When the umpire asked our catcher if I was the team ace, my teammate said: “Heck no. He stinks. He has never pitched this well. We don’t know what’s going on.”
I also was the quarterback of a high school football team that went 0-9.
I drink a lot of Diet Coke and Diet Pepsi, and guys I play basketball with call me “Duck” because of my unwavering love for the University of Oregon.
My new favorite band is Skillet.
Someday I hope to call up my old professor and tell him my writing has improved.