Schools
Central's Hardy Opts for Basketball Instead of Wrestling
Seen by many as a serious contender for an NJSIAA title this season, the Golden Eagles senior says "my heart just isn't in it"
If you’re looking for Kalyph Hardy this season, better skip the wrestling room: The Central Regional senior has decided to spend his winter on the basketball court.
Hardy, who rushed for 5,000 yards in his football career, surprised many veteran Shore Conference wrestling watchers in the 2010-2011 season with his third-place finish at 160 pounds at the NJSIAA championships despite a lack of wrestling experience. But the Golden Eagles senior has a different goal in mind for this winter:
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“It’s my senior year,” Hardy said on Friday night after the Central boys basketball team lost to Monsignor Donovan, 48-37, in the teams’ season opener. “I want to have some fun.”
Hardy was widely seen as a serious contender for an NJSIAA wrestling championship at the individual championships in March, and his decision to leave the wrestling mat has confounded many.
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"My heart just isn't in it," Hardy said Friday night.
Coach Mike Clemente said Hardy is welcome on the basketball team as long as he wants to be there.
“He’s an incredible athlete,” Clemente said Friday morning at the WOBM Christmas Classic breakfast at the Quality Inn in Toms River. As such, Clemente expects Hardy will adjust to the game rapidly.
On Friday, Hardy had a pair of rebounds and 2 points in limited action.
