University of Minnesota Morris Athletics

Rich Hardy Ed.D., ATC, CSCS is in his 24th year of teaching and providing athletic training services for the University of Minnesota Morris through an athletic training contract with Heartland Orthopedic Specialists in Alexandria, Minnesota. He graduated in 1997 from Northern State University, where he obtained his board certification as an athletic trainer (ATC).

He continued his education at the University of Nebraska at Kearney earning a Master of Arts degree in Exercise Science in 2000 and his doctorate in Education degree from the United States Sports Academy majoring in Sports Management with an emphasis in Sports Medicine in 2017. Prior to joining the staff at Heartland Orthopedic Specialists, he provided athletic training services at Osseo high school.

At Minnesota Morris, Hardy provides athletic training services for 19 varsity sports and also teaches in the Sport, Science, Athletic, and Biology departments.  He enjoys working with athletes and assisting them to return to full activity following an injury.

At Heartland Orthopedic Specialists, Hardy is not only contracted to Minnesota Morris, he serves as the Research Coordinator. Hardy has had articles published in the Journal of Emergency Medical Services, Journal of Arthroscopy, Physical Educator, and the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior, just to name a few. He routinely presents his research at both the state and national level. He has presented at the Minnesota Athletic Trainers Association regional and annual meetings, the Minnesota Orthopedic Society annual meeting, the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society Annual Meeting, the American Orthopedic Society for Sports Medicine annual meeting, and the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons annual meeting among others. 

Hardy is an active member of the Minnesota Athletic Trainers Association serving as a member of the secondary school committees.

His certifications include Certified Athletic Trainer, Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, and American Heart Association Professional Rescuer.

Hardy enjoys spending time with his family, all outdoor activities including camping, hunting and fishing.