| |
Carlton Hardy named Savannah State head baseball coach
December 21, 2005
SAVANNAH, Ga. -- Savannah State University Athletic Director, Robert “Tony” O’Neal
has announced the hiring of Carlton Hardy as the new head coach for the Savannah
State University baseball team.
 |
Carlton Hardy |
“We conducted a comprehensive, structured and diligent search to fill
the head baseball coach position here at Savannah State,” O’Neal
said. “Because of that I know we have found the right person for the
job. Hardy has shown that he can be successful at various levels of collegiate
baseball. I am confident that he will continue the winning tradition of the
SSU baseball program.”
Hardy comes to SSU after spending six seasons as the head baseball coach at
Olivet College, a Division III institution and a member of the Michigan Intercollegiate
Athletic Association. While at Olivet, he compiled a record of 105-123 from
2000 to 2005.
Hardy, a native of Los Angeles, California, has been credited with revamping
Olivet’s baseball program. In 2002, he led the Comets to a .500 finish
with an 18-18 record, the first time since 1995. The following season, the
team recorded a 23-17 overall record and a second place conference finish
with a 12-6 mark. Hardy also held the position of assistant football coach
for six seasons at Olivet.
“I give thanks to Dr. Brown, Mr. O’Neal and the entire campus community
for giving me the opportunity to be the head baseball coach at Savannah State,” Hardy
expressed. “It has always been a goal of mine to coach at the Division
I level. Coming from the Midwest, I think I can bring a diverse coaching
style to help enhance the talent that the players already have. I also believe
my recruiting efforts will help continue the past success and accomplishments
of the Savannah State baseball program.”
Prior to coaching at Olivet, Hardy served as the Head Baseball Coach at Talladega
College a NAIA institution from 1998 to 1999. By his second season, the team
finished 34-18 the most wins in school history. That same year he led Talladega
to the NAIA sectional tournament. Hardy was the runner-up for Coach of the
Year in the Midwest Region.
A three-year letterman in baseball from 1989-91 at Grambling State University,
he received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Computer Information Systems
in December of 1993. While at Grambling, he was a First Team All Conference
performer in 1990 and 1991. He was drafted by the Philadelphia Phillies as
a free agent in 1991, and played for one season. Hardy also received his Master
of Science Degree in Sports Administration from Grambling in 1995.
Last season the Tigers finished with a 22-21 record.
|
