Ted Harris was born and raised in Mineral Point, Wisconsin. He graduated from high school in 1958 and was a 16-letter winner in football, basketball, track and baseball. In his senior year, he was the state champion in both low and high hurdles, setting a state record in each event.
Ted attended the University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse where he was a 4 year letter winner in football. He graduated in 1963 and began teaching science in the Viroqua Area School District. In 1973, he became the Media Supervisor for the district, and in 1996 became the High School Principal. Over his 36-year tenure at Viroqua Ted coached football, wrestling and track. He officiated in football, wrestling and baseball. Mr. Harris has also run WIAA Rules Interpretation Meetings for baseball, football and wrestling. He officiated these three sports at the WIAA State level.
Ted Harris is probably best recognized as one of the premier wrestling officials in the State of Wisconsin. His wrestling officiating accolades include: 17 NAIA National Championships; 1 NCAA Division II National Championship ; 4 NCAA Division III National Championships; 3 NJCAA National Championships; 20 years of Big Ten Officiating; 2 Big Ten Championships; 20 years of WSUC Conference Officiating; 20 WSUC Championships; 30 years as a WIAA Wrestling Official; 2 WIAA State Tournaments; 20 years of conducting WIAA Rules Interpretation Meetings; and 20 years of conducting WSUC.Conference.Wrestling.Rules.Meetings.
Ted was named the head official at the NCAA Division III National Championships held at UW-Stevens Point in 1994 and was named the 1986 NFIOA Outstanding Official in.Wisconsin.
When not teaching or officiating, Ted was a deputy for the Vernon County Sheriff's Department, a police officer for the City of Viroqua and became Chief of the Viroqua Fire Department.