Box Elder’s Brock Hardy makes quick work of opponents to close in on state title No. 4

Orem • It’s Brock Hardy’s world and we are all just living in it when it comes to wrestling in Utah.

The Box Elder senior is closing in on his fourth consecutive state title after claiming a pair of wins Wednesday at the Class 5A state meet at the UCCU Center on the campus of Utah Valley University.

Hardy’s two wins included a pin of Woods Cross’ Trey Smith in the state quarterfinals. And it was just another workman-like effort for the Box Elder standout who enters Thursday’s final day of action with a 44-0 mark this season.

“It’s the same as always,” Hardy said about his pin of Smith. “Just having fun.”

It seemed early on as though Smith was going to hold his own against the top-ranked wrestler in the state at 145 pounds.

Hardy eventually built a 12-5 lead before closing the door with the pin coming at the 3-minute mark of the match.

And while most wrestlers would be pleased with one state title, the thought of a fourth state title is something Hardy treasures.

“It’s very important,” he said. “I got to finish it off.”

Hardy began wrestling at a young age, and the sport came naturally for him.

“I’ve always been wrestling, and it’s always turned out well,” he said. “So I never really thought about it, and it happened.”

And as he looks back on his career, Hardy credits so many things for his success.

“I have fun, and that’s a huge key,” he said. “I don’t worry too much, and I work hard.”

And a wrestler of his caliber undoubtedly is going to face pressure in the form of a target on his back.

“I try not to think about it,” he said. “Pressure makes a diamond.”

Hardy helped the Bees sit third with 95 points after the Day 1 action. Viewmont leads the team standings with 164 points, while Wasatch is second with 112.5.