Andrew Hardy, 18, is the first male to join the cross country team at Montcalm Community College. 

Hardy, of Stanton, ran all four years of high school for Central Montcalm. He was a State qualifier all four years and made All Conference all four years as well. 

“I always looked for an outlet to do cross country post high school,” he said. “I wasn't set on it, but if an opportunity arose, I was going to take it. With MCC reintroducing sports, that was all it took to start the process of joining. And it was an exciting opportunity to possibly be the first men's cross country runner for MCC!” 

Coach Kevin Sweeney talked about what Hardy will bring to MCC’s team. 

“Andrew brings a strong work ethic, great character and a lot of talent to our cross country team,” Sweeney said. “Andrew will fit in very nicely with the team and we are looking forward to starting our practices this August.” 

Hardy is looking forward to how different running will be in college. 

“I’m looking forward to how different the dynamic will be compared to high school,” he said. “With my teammates, the structure, the meet locations, all of it. I am already having a lot of fun with Coach Sweeney and all of the teammates that I have met. I am also looking forward to how the team and myself will progress as runners.” 

Hardy is a person who always likes to stay busy. Aside from sports, he performs in musicals, performs in church cantatas, plays French horn in a community band, plays Dungeons & Dragons with family and friends, and enjoys video games. He also works on the family farm, when he has time. He enjoys reading, but finds it hard to find the time to fit it in. 

Cross country is one of several sports offered at MCC as part of its Centurion Athletics program. Visit montcalm.edu/athletics for more information about MCC Centurion Athletics or contact Athletic Director Hunter Redman at athletics@montcalm.edu or 989-328-1095. 

MCC is a member of the Michigan Community College Athletics Association (MCCAA) and the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA).