Ben Hardy, From Roll Irish to Roll Tide

SEATTLE-O’Dea alumni, Ben Hardy, a participant in both the football team and the track and field team in his time at O’Dea, has carried countless lessons and memories with him to his next chapter in life at the University of Alabama.

O’Dea has featured the same head coach for a near 40 years now in Monte Kohler, who has left clear impact on countless young men and athletes with his ways of running a program.

Hardy stated, “Coach Kohler and really the entire football program had a huge impact on me. I was immature and unprepared coming in as a freshman and football is the best sport to mature someone and teach them traits like discipline, teamwork and overall helps build character.”

Though, the character Hardy has become was not only made in football but within the school as well.

“O’Dea as a whole has helped build me and guide me to be a better man. It keeps a tight ship especially with the dress code with it being khakis and polos as well as the discipline aspect. Even with that I still think the best times of my life have been in O’Dea”, says Hardy.

Hardy has kept up with his fitness as he performs in both basketball and volleyball for his college fraternity.

Hardy stated, “I love sports as much as anything so being able to compete still is fun for me especially coming from a competitive school like O’Dea. Obviously, it isnt as high of a level but it is still something to do and stay in shape with the boys.”

As much as Hardy loves the discipline of O’Dea, he admits the freedom of college is a breath of fresh air at times.

“I had the best times at O’Dea and it truly did help me to mature and become a man, but with that I think it prepared me enough for the college life and it has definitely been nice to have a new type of freedom.