Mike Harris (2000-2005), son of former head of careers Steve Harris (staff, 1983-2010), achieved an incredible milestone by winning the British National Racketball Singles Championship for the seventh consecutive year in July 2024. Mike spoke to the Alumni and Development office team about his latest triumph.
How did you first get into racketball and what inspired you to pursue it at a competitive level?
I played professional squash for 14 years after finishing school, while studying at university at UWE Bristol, and then afterwards; reaching a highest world ranking of 115. I started coaching to fund my playing career and at the same time racketball started to gain more prominence in the UK, meaning I ended up coaching it more and more. Inevitably, I got into playing it myself competitively, representing the Devon Men’s County team, and then first entered the National Championships in 2017. After the initial success I got, I took it on more and more!
Did sport at Exeter School play a big part in your time here and was there one that you particularly enjoyed? And/or a teacher that you remember fondly?
Absolutely. We were very fortunate at the time to have a very strong squash section with a lot of time and energy devoted to it by John Poustie (staff, 1990-2013) who was in charge of it all then. We won the National Schools title, beating the “big guns” in the sport, Wycliffe College and Millfield School, on the way! I also loved my cricket at Exeter, which balanced out well with the respective seasons of the two sports. John Poustie was always a great character to have in charge of the sport, he absolutely loved it and went way out of his way to facilitate our match play and training sessions; helping make us so successful!
Did you do anything differently in preparing for this year’s nationals compared to previous competitions?
Ha! Well, this year was the first time that I’ve not only played the event but actually run the whole thing myself too. I have taken over the running of UK racketball, meaning I’m now responsible for all competitive racketball events in England… with some in Scotland and Wales too! So, I had to be in charge of a full weekend event with over 200+ players from 12 – 85 years old, at two different venues; alongside trying to play it myself too! It was certainly a challenge to say the least. I was exhausted even before I stepped on court for the final, so managing to take the win again was extra special this year.
Is there anything about this year’s competition that stands out to you, either in terms of the level of competition or the event itself?
It was really great to see such a wide range of playing ages involved. The sport is growing really fast and to have so many different players of all abilities taking part across age categories from Juniors through to Over 80 was really great. For those who haven’t tried it before, it’s much easier to get started in than squash and I think more people are realising this and taking it up.
What do you enjoy doing outside of racketball to unwind? Any hobbies or interests we might be surprised to learn about?
Well, we have two young children (one and four years old) so that certainly keeps me busy! Other than that, I love my coffee and spend a lot of time tinkering with brewing and espresso making when I get a chance! Coffee & pro squash generally goes hand in hand as most players seem to spend quite a lot of time hanging around in cafes around training and matches!
Mike’s final was streamed on YouTube, and you can watch it here.
