Athletic Highlights - April 19, 2024

Softball interest survey- Class of 2025, 2026 and 2027  we are gauging interest in starting a softball program at Harding Academy for the 2025 spring season. The first step in this process is to see if there is enough interest in the middle school student body to add a program. Please fill out this survey indicating your daughter has an interest in playing softball. 

Football Interest Survey- Class of 2028, 2027, 2026 and 2025 families please fill out this form if your student has an interest in playing tackle football for Harding Academy in the fall of 2024. You are NOT committing to play by filling out this form. Please do fill out the form even if you are unsure at the present time.

Let's play 10 innings ... Hawks Baseball Drop a Heart Breaker to FRA 1-0
The Cardiac Hawks, as they are now being called, dropped one of the longest baseball games in school history Friday 1-0 to Franklin Road Academy (FRA) in 10 innings.  Seven regulation innings were not enough to decide this pitching battle ... as Michael Holscher ('26), Luke Anderson ('24), Riley Bundren ('25) and Joey Spalluto ('26) combined to throw 10 innings of 4-hit baseball but the Hawks fell just short on a FRA bloop single to left in the 10th to score the game's only run.  Strong defense and pitching once again dominated ... but offensively a strong performance was put in by Walt Sanders ('24) and Margie Clark ('24) who both worked their way on base and quickly swiped second base to get in scoring position, but could not cross the dish at home.  This marks the Hawk's 3rd tight game in a row ... and they look to be on the other side on Monday in the SPIRIT GAME against Nashville Catholic with first pitch time set for 4:30 ... come out and support the Blue!

Spirit Day Victory for the Hawks Baseball Team with a 4-2 Win Over Nashville Catholic
The Harding Academy Varsity Baseball team beat Nashville Catholic 4-2 on Monday night before a raucous Spirit Day Crowd ... once again combining high level pitching and defense with timely hitting to come away with the W!  Pitching once again ruled the day with Luke Anderson ('24) taking the ball to start the game and throwing 2 innings of 1 unearned run baseball before handing the ball over to Riley Bundren ('25) for another 2 innings of one run baseball before the Hawks turned to closer Joey Spalluto ('26) to seal the deal in the 5th and final inning for the Hawks!

Spalluto induced a final out fly ball to Anderson (now in left field) who climbed the left field fence to make a play that brought back memories of a young Willie Mays or modern day Mike Trout!

MLB Scouts seem to be taking notice of the efforts being turned in and thankfully for the Hawks Anderson, Bundren, and Spalluto said after the game that they would not be going Pro and would be on the field for the teams next game @ CPA on Wednesday. Offensively, Spalluto ripped a double down the right field line in the 3rd to help get the Hawks' bats going along with Jackson Hall ('25) who contributed both a single and walk in the win ... stellar defensive plays were turned in at first by Margie Clark ('24), Mateo Lyn-Cook ('24) in right and Walt Sanders ('24) in center and the rock behind the plate Michael Holscher ('24) acting as the teams' version of Elmer's Glue.  Truly a TEAM Victory .. these Hawks are a team to not be taken lightly with the start of the HVAC Playoffs beginning on Friday.  Coach Burns, Coach Wainwright and Coach Love could not be prouder of the spirit, teamwork, and fight displayed by these Hawks.

Varsity Girls Golf Final Regular Season Match
Harding Academy girl's varsity golf team wraps up their final match of the season before the conference championship. Maya Florie and Logan Scott played in their last regular-season match this week, finishing strong before the conference championship next week. Maya Florie had tremendous drives, great iron play, and crucial putts to score her season-low round of 43. Logan Scott had some great chips and was able to roll putts at a great pace. Way to stick it out and finish strong ladies!

Harding Academy Boys Qualify for Conference Championship
Harding Academy's boys' varsity golf qualify for the conference championship after scoring in their last regular season match! Robert Topping and Bantly West played their hearts out this week in their last regular-season match, qualifying them for the conference championship next week. Both boys provided great iron play, good recovery shots, and sunk crucial putts to keep their scores within reason to qualify. Throughout the entire season, both boys have made tremendous progress and learned so much about the game! Way to go boys and good luck next week!

Varsity Girls Lacrosse Wins 12-4 Over USN
Girls' lax got their 5th win of the season on Wednesday against USN. Cece Hardin and Brecken Watson each scored their first goal of the year. Hannah Sides and Louisa Smith led the scoring with 3 goals apiece. Alexa McKay scored twice. Margaret Greathouse and Riley Berteli each scored one. Charlie George had 5 big saves in net. The Hawks begin HVAC tournament play, on Monday, April 22 against Page Middle School. The start time is 4:30pm at Page Middle School. 
Back
Inspiring The Mind  •  Nurturing The Spirit