ODell Harris, Jr.
Pastor, Vice President/COO, Manhood Coach, Cross Country/Track and Field Coach
"If you stay small enough long enough, God will make you big enough, soon enough."
— Pastor O.D. Harris, Jr.
ODell Harris, Jr. was destined for greatness from the very beginning. Born in Prescott, Arkansas, as a twin, he entered the world at a modest 5 pounds and 4 ounces. Alongside his sisters, Mealia and ChrisDell, he was raised and educated in Wichita, Kansas, where he graduated from Wichita West High School in 2005.
By the time he finished high school, Coach O, as he is affectionately known, had already established himself as one of the nation's premier sprinters. He clinched the Kansas State Championship titles in both the 100m and 200m events. The summer following his senior year saw him competing at the AAU National Championships in New Orleans, Louisiana, where he achieved a top-five finish.
ODell’s athletic prowess earned him a spot at Barton County Community College in Great Bend, Kansas. During his freshman year, he became a NJCAA national champion as part of the 4x100m relay team, while also securing top-three finishes in both the 100m and 200m events. His team went on to win the overall championship.
That summer, Harris represented the USA on the international stage, traveling to Beijing, China, where he won a silver medal with the USA Track and Field U20 team.
After completing his time at Barton, Harris signed with the University of Alabama’s Crimson Tide, earning a full-ride scholarship. Yet, while still competing at Barton, he began to feel a deep spiritual calling. The race on the track gave way to a new race a race to win souls for Christ. The spikes and bib numbers were replaced with a briefcase and a Bible.
Though his competitive running days were behind him, Coach O’s passion for the sport remained. He turned his focus to training and equipping today’s youth and young adults, preparing them to be the foot soldiers for Christ tomorrow.
ODell Harris, Jr. has received numerous awards and accolades throughout his life, yet none are more significant than the blessings of his family. He is married to his college sweetheart, Priscilla Marie, and together they have four children: Sara Ann Marie, Sir William ODell, Soloman Gregory ODell, and Serenity Nicole Marie.
Beyond his personal life, Coach Harris is deeply involved in his community, both locally and nationally. He is the Founder and Co-Owner of Heavenly Gates Mortuary and serves as the full-time pastor at Stranger's Rest Missionary Baptist Church, where he ministers to youth, young adults, and children. He also works as a Future Ready Advocate and Mentor in the Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion for the Wichita Public Schools, and as a supervisor at the Making a Difference Boys facility, guiding teenage young men.
Coach ODell Harris, Jr. is a man on a mission for the cause of Christ, committed to building strong children rather than repairing broken men a sentiment beautifully captured by the words of Frederick Douglass:
"It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men."
