Harkey's quick return a plus for South Point

BELMONT — Good thing for South Point that Chris Harkey is a fast healer.

With one of their top pitchers unable to toe the rubber this spring, the Red Raiders needed another arm in the rotation. Harkey once again became an option when he returned from Tommy John surgery earlier than expected.

The senior right-hander has come back stronger than before and will start on the mound Tuesday as the Red Raiders (18-4) travel to Swannanoa Owen to face Enka (19-6) at 7.

Harkey takes a 9-0 record, 1.60 ERA and 63 strikeouts in 57 innings entering Tuesday's second-round 3A state playoff game.

And to think it’s barely been 11 months since Harkey underwent surgery to replace a ligament in his right elbow April 1, 2009. Recovery usually takes a full year.

“He got to start throwing full speed 100 percent the second week of February, which is a little bit earlier than we expected,” South Point coach Jason Lineberger said.

Had Weston Lawing been able to pitch this season, the coaching staff probably would have gradually brought Harkey back into the mix. Instead, “We had to throw him the wolves ready or not and he responded well to it,” Lineberger said.

Prior to this season, it had been a while since Harkey experienced pitching success. After showing flashes of brilliance as a freshman, he struggled a bit as a sophomore, then appeared back on track early in his junior season before leaving with the injury.

Although Harkey wasn’t nervous in his first game post-surgery, he did have to work on his confidence.

“After a couple of games I realized my arm was fine,” Harkey said. “It was better than ever.”

Lineberger attributes Harkey’s fast recovery to patience and hard work during his rehabilitation. After his return, Harkey’s velocity began picking up, all of his pitches kept improving and he’s been getting stronger as the season has gone along.

Harkey throws four pitches for strike after recently adding a slider. His fastball reaches the 83-85 mph range, Lineberger said.

The surgery put Harkey behind schedule in the recruiting game, but it doesn’t appear he’ll be left behind. Methodist, Surry Community, Catawba Valley Community and Belmont Abbey have shown interest, Lineberger said. The coaches at those colleges wanted to see his velocity increase through the season, and that’s happened.

“All these colleges I talk to feel like his best years are yet to come,” Lineberger said.

Harkey will wait until after the season to make his college decision. More immediately, he has to deal with a potent Enka hitting lineup that is nearing the state home run record and features Clemson signee Dale Innes.

“I’m ready for tomorrow night,” Harkey said Monday. “I need to just go out there and throw — don’t be nervous or anything. Just be confident and go out there and throw.”

You can reach Phillip Gardner at 704-869-1843.