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Wheeling Central has collected three consecutive OVAC titles and Derrick Harrison has been a vital part of that success.
In fact, he won the individual OVAC 3A championship last year and is back as a senior to defend his title.
"He made a good impact on the team last year for us," Wheeling Central coach Jim Mortakis said. "After winning medalist at OVACs last year, I think he would like to do that again."
In route to claiming his OVAC victory, Harrison carded a 72 at Oglebay's Crispin course using every weapon in his arsenal.
"Derrick is a good striker of the ball," Mortakis said. "He has gotten better at reading greens and putting for distance. He is also a pretty consistent player and does not shoot a lot of big numbers."
Harrison has been a part of all three OVAC championships at Central and heading into his fourth year, his experience and leadership is just as important as his talent and skills.
"He is a leader on the team," Mortakis said. "He is always conscientious of what he does and is always helping kids.
"He is a good person and a good player, who works hard at his game.
"Derrick has a good future. He is an honor roll student and would like to play college golf if he could."
As the Maroon Knights aim to claim a fourth straight OVAC title, Harrison will have some help with sophomore JC Maxwell fresh off a runner-up finish at last year's event. Maxwell also earned an all-state spot a season ago.
"Derrick and JC compete for our top spot," Mortakis said. "Maxwell was all-state last year and I think Derrick could make it this year."
Harrison and Maxwell each turned in scores of 84 during the first day of last year's West Virginia State Golf Tournament at the Jones Course, where they hope to finish strong this year.