A graduate of Rock Island High School in 1952, Harry wrestled at Western Illinois University in 1954 and 1955. Harry began coaching at Moline High School and helped the Maroons win their first state title in 1969. He served as an assistant coach for six seasons, then moved up to the head wrestling coach for eleven years. His teams had a 129-39 record during his tenure. He coached twenty-eight state qualifiers, six place-winners and two state champions. Under Harry's guidance Moline High School won three conference crowns, three regional championships, two sectional titles and placed third in the state in 1980. Harry is considered by many to be the "Father of the Illinois Junior National Greco-Roman Team". He began the developmental program in the 1970's that produced many junior national champions and place-winners, including a national record six junior national finalists from Moline in seven years. He was the head coach for Team Illinois in 1977, 1978 and 1979. Harry was inducted into the Illinois Wrestling Coaches and Officials Association Hall of Fame in 2002.