Wolverines head coach Mike Barr was not hesitant about the caliber of person the Gators would be getting in Hardwick, including a team-first mentality and a lasting program legacy as integral pieces of what make the soon-to-be graduate such a promising athlete at the next level.

“Dylan is very dedicated,” said Barr, “He’s part of the reason why we are where we are as far as what kids we have out, and what the future holds for Sheffield football. Dylan’s been a big part of that coming up through.”

Barr reflected on Hardwick’s relationship with not just his teammates but also the younger generation of future Wolverine athletes, stating that he has had a big impact on them.

“All around, he connects with the younger kids, from the (Coach Todd) Fitch grandkids to the ball boys all the way up through to any kid that’s around the field, Dylan’s talking to them, high-fiving them, getting them involved,” Barr said.

Submitted Photo Surrounded by his family and Sheffield football coaches, Wolverines’ senior Dylan Hardwick, seated middle, signs his letter of intent to continue his academic and football career at Allegheny College in the fall.

The journey to Allegheny began with a conversation in a local gas station parking lot between Barr and Hardwick several years ago, discussing the football program, Barr’s goals, and his desire to have Hardwick be a part of that process. Hardwick noted that Barr’s approach on that day was impactful and the start of the pair working together to find success where they could.

“He wasn’t that coach that was going to come and nag you and annoy constantly about coming out for his team, because I think that pushes athletes away in some circumstances,” said Hardwick. “He came up to me once, it was respectful talk. Shook my hand, all of that. Since then, he’s just pushed me to be the best, not only athlete but person I can be. He’s always had my back.”

In addition to Barr, Hardwick credits coaches Fitch and Nate Lindberg as motivators that helped to push him towards personal goals that he was able to accomplish, and lessons he will carry over into the college scene.

“Going into college, I’m going to use a lot of the advice he’s given me,” said Hardwick. “Not only him, but his whole staff.”

The decision to join the Gators football team came down to a one-on-one meeting with Allegheny head coach Braden Layer, where the second-year Columbus, Ohio native left a lasting impression with both Hardwick and his family.

“The way he spoke about Allegheny as a football program, as a school, and the movements he wants to make and how he wants to change and just how dedicated he is as a coach,” Hardwick said of his meeting. “He told me one thing that stuck with me since that meeting, which is you’ve got to love working hard.”

It comes as no surprise that Hardwick is embracing the hard work mentality, as Barr highlighted when asked what sort of player the Gators were getting with his former number one on the field.

“Very hardcore, dedicated,” said Barr “When he puts his mind to it, he’s going to do it. It doesn’t matter what it is. He’s going to be loyal to them, and Allegheny is lucky to have him. He’s going to give one hundred percent; I can promise that.”

As Hardwick and his parents left the one-on-one, they spent the 70-mile drive home going over pros and cons, inevitably realizing there were far more pros with what the Gators had to offer. Hardwick explained that his parents are excited to take this journey with him, and like all of his family, will be a fundamental aspect of his support system going forward.

“Since we’ve visited both schools, the supports been amazing,” Hardwick said. “It always has been and always will be. I don’t really, ever expect the support of my family being anything less. My family has always been close. It doesn’t matter if it’s a cousin, an aunt, my mom, my dad, the support is all there from anybody.”

Hardwick’s expectations going into a collegiate program come as no surprise, as the business management major is well grounded and educated on what it will take to work his way up through the ranks to get playing time.

“Your expectations are a lot different when you’re coming into a college team your freshman year,” Hardwick said. “I don’t obviously expect to go in there and instantly play and make an impact in games, but I think in practice, outside of practice, just on campus, I can make an impact on holding guys accountable, working hard in the weight room, in the classroom, studying, all of that.”

For Hardwick, joining the Gators will present an array of new opportunities and experiences, one of which will likely be his first win. The Wolverines have not won a game since October of 2019, ironically over another Gators team, Port Allegany. The lack of wins has not held Hardwick back, but rather bolstered him for whatever comes his way in the coming year.

“I think some aspects, I’ll lack where others succeed,” said Hardwick. “Obviously, I don’t know the feeling of winning a high school game, but that’s not what it’s about. Off the field and in practice is where it’s really going to matter. With certain things, I think I will be tougher. I think I’ll know how to handle a loss better. I think that when it comes down to it, Sheffield is looked at just a lackluster program, because when outsiders just look at the newspaper, or the scores, something like that, they see that Sheffield loses again, but they don’t really see the behind the scenes at practice and the locker rooms and all that stuff to what kind of program Sheffield really is. So, I think I will have advantages and obviously some disadvantages.”