By Jimmy Allinder
Sarah Hardy was born to be a competitive swimmer, only she doesn’t want to spend a lot of time in the pool.
At last year’s NJSIAA Meet of Champions (MOC), the Bishop George Ahr High School freshman splashed onto the scene by capturing the 200-meter intermediate (IM) title and placing eighth in the 100 butterfly. Those events, in addition to the 400 IM, 200 butterfly and 200 backstroke, represent the strength of Hardy’s short-course repertoire.
“I never liked long-distance events,” Hardy said. “I really prefer shorter races. They’re more fun, and I especially enjoy the anticipation of competing.”
Hardy’s best times in those and other short races demonstrate how dominant she’s been in the fast lane. She was timed in 2:02:44 for the 200 IM at the MOC last February and in meets as a member of the Trojans or her Metuchen-Edison YMCA team, she was clocked in 4:21 for the 400 IM, 2:02 in the 200 butterfly and 2:02 in the 200 backstroke. With three years of high school eligibility remaining, Hardy could reduce those times much more.
Bishop Ahr opens the dual-meet season Dec. 7 against Mother Seton Regional High School, and coach Amanda Cleveland appreciates what Hardy contributes to the team.
“She’s an asset in and out of the pool,” Cleveland said. “Sarah is an outstanding student, and she is willing to share her knowledge by working with our novice swimmers.”
The reference to Hardy’s contributions outside swimming center on what she’s achieved in the classroom. Her 4.1 grade-point average is a testament to what can be accomplished given the demands of varsity sports.
“I established my priorities with swimming and school early on, and I’ve worked very hard to achieve my grades,” she said. “Managing my time effectively has been an important part of that process.”
It’s not surprising Hardy’s debut on the high school scene opened college recruiters’ eyes. Hardy is being heavily recruited, and she said there’s a possibility that might lead her to the West Coast, perhaps at Stanford University, although the University of Notre Dame and the University of Georgia are in the picture.
A typical day in her life means going to school, doing homework on the bus while leaving for and returning from practice and continuing her studies at home — often into the late-night hours.
“I keep reminding myself those nights when I get five hours sleep are going to be worth it in the end,” she said.
A native of Edison, Hardy has only competed in swimming and fell in love with the sport at age 7 when she joined the summer team sponsored by the Edison Community Pool.
“I liked it so much I tried out for and made the all-around team at the local Y,” she said. “I have been with them (Metuchen-Edison YMCA) since.”
Hardy admits swimming for a team is different than competing as an individual.
“If it’s a school meet, I feel more relaxed because I get to cheer for my teammates,” she said. “As an individual, I want to drop my time, which is how all swimmers are trained.”
That’s one reason her times tend to be higher during dual meets, Hardy said.
“My focus is on scoring points to help our team win,” she said. “It’s not important to [race against the clock] but [instead] swim my best so I make my teammates proud.”
As a team, Bishop Ahr finished with a 5- 2 dual-meet record last season and although the Trojans didn’t win a Greater Middlesex Conference (GMC) title, Cleveland is confident the team will be among the conference’s top teams.
“In addition to Sarah, she is joined by Emily Louie and Sophia Nogales, both outstanding swimmers,” she said. “We’re hoping for another successful year.”
Not surprising, Hardy’s parents, Cyndy and J.T., have had the most impact on her career.
“My dad drives me to practice (except high school sessions), and my mom is always preparing healthy meals,” she said. “That includes making sure I have enough water and snacks at meets.”
Three other coaches have helped Hardy develop her potential. Jimmy Petroziello has worked closely with her conditioning, while Shane Tonery has designed a weight room regiment designed to increase her stroking power. Kelsey Tonery acts as a manager of sorts by suggesting meets she should attend that provide the still-developing talent’s best exposure.
Most events Hardy competes at are sponsored by the YMCA, including the YMCA National Short Course championships April 3-7 in Greensboro, North Carolina.
“I already qualified for that meet, and I’m excited about the competition I’ll be up against” she said. “What makes it so special is everybody swims so fast.”