At Happy Valley, the Warriors take pride in their special teams.

And Wednesday, one of Happy Valley’s biggest contributors on its special teams signed on to play at the next level.

Senior kicker Michael Harrah made it official with Carson-Newman University where he will focus on punting for the NCAA Division II program.

“The school just really stuck out to me, to be honest,” said Harrah.

Harrah’s name took off in 2016 when he kicked through a 21-yard field goal to give Happy Valley a 17-16 win over Hampton in a classic contest. For Harrah, however, his focus on placing kicking has shifted over to punting during his time as a Warrior.

“The taller I got the harder kicking got,” said Harrah. “There is more form to it as you get taller. In punting, I can get a lot more leverage into the ball. I have also caught onto it quicker.”

In 2018, Harrah was selected as the Moutain-East Conference Special Teams Player of the Year. This past season, Harrah kicked through 23-of-26 PATs while booting 18 touchbacks on kickoff. His longest field goal was a 42-yarder, and he averaged 33.3 yards punting each game.

Harrah has put a lot of work into his craft as he worked with ETSU kicker J.J. Jerman and punter Marion Watson.

“It has been a privilege for me,” said Harrah. “They have taught me a lot and helped me out.”

Happy Valley head coach Jason Jarrett was on hand during Wednesday’s signing and said he was happy to see Harrah sign.

“Just three years ago he started kicking, and you fast forward three years, here he is signing to go play at Carson-Newman,” said Jarrett. “That just shows the dedication, hard work, and sacrifice he has put in. He has spent so much time going to camps. And he almost every day kicking with his dad up here.”

While at Carson-Newman, Harrah said he hopes to study physical therapy.