Independence Community College names new head football coach

Stacie Strader by Stacie Strader

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ICC Release: Independence Community College has announced that Kiyoshi Harris has been selected as Head Football Coach for the college.

Harris, who already had been serving as Interim Head Coach, was selected from a field of approximately 50 applicants. Harris has served the past two seasons as Associate Head Coach, Offensive Line Coach and Recruiting Coordinator, during which the Pirates won the Jayhawk Conference Championship and the Midwest Bowl Classic.

“We are very fortunate to have a coach within our football program with Coach Harris’ experience recruiting and coaching at the national level,” said Tammie Romstad, ICC’s Director of Athletics and Vice President for Student Affairs.

Harris has coached for 22 years on the offensive line, including 16 years at the collegiate level. Prior to joining ICC, he coached for 12 years at California junior colleges, including 10 years at Chaffey College. During his time at Chaffey, he held the positions of Offensive Coordinator, Run Game Coordinator, Offensive Line Coach and Recruiting Coordinator. Harris also served as an Offensive Line Coach at College of the Desert for two years and was the Tight Ends and Fullbacks Coach at the University of Redlands. In addition to his extensive coaching career, Harris also served as a classroom educator for 19 years, including 13 years teaching at the community college level.

“Coach Harris is the best choice to continue to provide the level of performance we expect of the Pirates,” said ICC President Daniel Barwick. “He is a person of experience, integrity and enthusiasm for the game.”

Harris noted he is looking forward to leading the Pirate football program.

“I am honored at this prestigious opportunity to work with a great staff and mentor a group of talented young men,” Harris said. “Independence Community College is a wonderful institution that prepares students to be intelligent and productive members of society. As a team, we will move forward and build a powerful program that will continue to compete in the elite Jayhawk Conference.

“My wife, Julie, and I are excited to be able to stay here and be part of this wonderful community. The city of Independence has become home for my family these last two years, and we have felt welcomed and supported here.”

Julie Harris is an English teacher at Independence High School, and the couple has four children.

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— Independence CC Athletics (@IndyPirates) March 18, 2019

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