Queen Creek's Sherod Hardt had not planned on taking any more college visits but after talking with Michigan State coach Walt Drenth, Hardt knew he had to make the trip.
"I liked what he had to say and decided to take one more visit," said Hardt about his phone conversation with Coach Drenth.
After taking official visits to BYU, U of A, UNC and Oklahoma State and an unofficial visit to NAU, Hardt was still having difficulty deciding. "Every school I went to I really liked, especially the coaches, but there always seemed to be something missing," recalled Hardt.
But at Michigan State everything clicked, "I liked everything....the coaches, the team, the school.....everything!"
Even after the Michigan State visit Hardt still had BYU and NAU on his mind and it took another week to make his final decision.
Michigan State has a top Veterinary Science program, something Hardt is seriously considering as a major. They also have a great running program. Their cross country team made it to Nationals last year.
One thing is for sure, he won't be running at 5 AM in the morning! The cold weather in Michigan is a plus. "I like the cold but I have never trained in it before so it might be tough getting use to," said Hardt with a laugh, "but the good thing is, you can keep putting on clothes."
Hardt was the 4A I Cross Country State Champion; finished 3rd in the Nike Cross Southwest Regionals and 6th at Nike Cross Nationals. His first track meet will be next Friday at his home track in Queen Creek.