To say that there's a lot of momentum within Warren G. Harding athletic programs is severely putting it lightly. Currently, the boys basketball team is 10-2 while the girls hoop squad is 11-2, the school recently held their first ever indoor track & field meet at the new Warren City Schools Recreation & Wellness Center, they recently hired a world renowned trainer to be their Head of Strength & Conditioning in Mike Bartos, etc.
With all of those great things happening in the present, the idea that there’s student athletes setting themselves up to compete, and most importantly, get their education at the next level, may trump all.
Originally on July 3, 2024, Harding senior football player Kenneth Byrd Jr. verbally committed to Allegheny College. However, after he capped off the last fall season of his high school career with his strongest output ever on the gridiron (25 tackles, 7.5 tackles for a loss, 4.5 sacks, & 3 quarterback hurries), his stock only continued to rise. This morning, the 2024 All-Trumbull County traded that stock in for a commitment to Baldwin Wallace University.
For Byrd, it serves as the pinnacle of a standout senior campaign.
“It feels great to commit to Baldwin Wallace!” Byrd said. “When I took my visits, they made sure that I felt at home. The environment, coaching staff, and everything about the program was great.”
Byrd already has his college plans set in stone for both on and off the field.
“They recruited me to play defensive end,” Byrd added. “I am going to major in computer science.”
Byrd’s efforts this season played a solidrole in the success of head coach Matt Richardson’s first season back at Harding. He's always pleased when his athletes greatly benefit from their dedication to the game.
“He worked hard and became a key contributor on both sides of the ball for us,” Richardson said of Byrd. “Never said too much. He just did whatever we asked him to do and led by example.”
For as much as Richardson complimented Byrd’s work ethic, the feeling was mutual.
“When Coach Rich got here, the mentality of the program instantly changed,” Byrd said. “He made it very clear what the standard was and we just followed his lead. As a senior, I had to step up and make sure that I did my part to help get my teammates going as well.”
While Byrd has his sights set on the next level, he knows how important it is for the class of 2025 to leave a lasting impression on his teammates.
“We helped lay a foundation that my younger teammates can build on,” Byrd said of Harding’s future. “The coaching staff helped me become a better leader and got me fully understand what a team player is. I appreciate every single one of them and I’m excited for the work that they’re about to do with the classes coming up.”