William ‘Tank’ Hardin to the Elon University Spots Hall of Fame, with inductions to take place on September 21…..
William Hardin(Page High School Baseball Coach), a catcher and third baseman(Elon University), played for the maroon and gold (Elon)from 1986-87 and was named the NAIA District 26 Player of the Year, All-Carolinas Conference and All-District 26 in 1986.
That same year, Hardin was an honorable mention selection to the NAIA All-America squad. In 1986, he led the team with 46 runs scored and 13 home runs to lead Elon to a 35-14 record.
The following year, Hardin hit .348 with 35 runs scored, five doubles, seven home runs and 33 RBI as the maroon and gold posted a 37-13 overall record.
In Hardin’s two seasons on the squad, Elon went 30-9 in league play.
A native of Lumberton, N.C., Hardin helped Elon reach the NAIA World Series in Lewiston, Idaho, and achieve a final ranking of fifth nationally in 1987.
Hardin began his career at Louisburg College where he holds the program record for both career home runs (39) and single-season homers (21). He also established the school’s single-game RBI mark by driving in 13 runs in 1984. He also earned team MVP honors, league player of the year accolades and was a two-time All-Region X selection in his days at Louisburg. He was inducted into the Louisburg College Athletic Hall of Fame in 2010.
*****Above info from the Elon University Athletics Web Site.*****