Covington’s Claudia Harrington will continue her basketball career at Muskingum University. In front with Harrington are her her mother and stepfather Angi and Chris Walters and father and stepmother Tom and Angie Harrington. Among those in back are Covington seniors Parker Metz and Claire Fraley and Covington girls basketball coach Brandon Studebaker.
COVINGTON — It has been a memorable senior year for Covington’s Claudia Harrington, a senior year that is not over yet.
The highlights, Harrington has helped lead the Lady Buccs basketball team to an 18-4 regular season record and as 12-2 record in Three Rivers Conference play, which led to a share of the league title in its inaugural season.
Along the way Harrington surpassed 1,000 career points in the historic Hoosiers’ Gym on January 22nd against Versailles. She now has 1,090 points in her career, which ranks seventh in school history.
And recently Harrington added to her memories as she committed to continue her basketball career at Muskingum University with family, teammates and coaches on hand prior to a senior night victory over Lehman in the regular season finale.
At Muskingum, Harrington will play under coach Erin Eaton, who is currently in her third season at the helm for the Muskies – who competed in the OAC (Ohio Athletic Conference). She also plans to major in Nursing.
“I liked the campus when I visited,” commented Harrington as to why she chose Muskingum University to continue her education and basketball career. “The people I met there seemed nice and it kinda felt like my small hometown. I loved the coaches – they were very sweet and I felt like we clicked really well and they continued to show interest.”
Muskingum wasn’t the only college who showed interest in Harrington.
“Defiance, Heidelberg, Marietta, Edison showed interest,” Harrington said. “There were other too.”
Harrington praised those closest to her for preparing her for the next phase of her life.
“My parents (Angi and Chris Walters, Tom Harrington and Angie Harrington) have definitely helped prepare me the best they can for college and continue to do so,” she said. “They give me good advice on how I should handle things and what to expect when it comes time.”
For Covington coach Brandon Studebaker, Harrington has been a staple of the program during his tenure.
“She’s been a four-year starter for us – a key player who comes up big in big games,” praised Studebaker of his senior leader. “She has a solid all-around game. She shares the ball, handles the ball, handles the pressure, creates good shots for herself and teammates. She’s someone other teams have to worry about every night.”
Harrington’s performance on the basketball court has awarded her opportunities many never receive.
“It’s hard for kids from small schools to get the opportunity to go from high school to the next level and then have success,” Studebaker said. “I think she will do well because of the type of player and individual she is. Her success helps our program because other kids look up to her and hopefully they try to accomplish the same things.”
Harrington has always set the bar high for herself at Covington and looks to do the same once she arrives at Muskingum.
“My future goals are to have a good basketball career at Muskingum, while also getting my Nursing degree and working throughout the hospital,” she said.
Until then, Harrington plans to enjoy the remainder of her senior year with hopes of a long tournament run. She has helped lead the Lady Buccs to the ninth 20-win season in the history of the program and a birth into the sectional final.
