Ard comes from a family of athletes, while being a great one himself.  His mom, dad, and brother all played a sport at the college level.  His father played football, his mother was involved in both softball and basketball, and his brother is playing baseball, just like he is.  In high school, Ard was a three-time all-state honoree and a four-time all-region selection.  He contributed to East Clarendon High School’s three regional championships and four district titles in his time there. When he isn’t on the diamond, Ard is out fishing or hunting, and just enjoying every day for what it is.  While doing all of that, he listens to either country or rap.  In the classroom, Ard is majoring in business management and wants to be a small business owner someday. Ard saw a good amount of time on the mound in his freshman and sophomore year.  Combined, he has appeared in 23 games and has a career record of 7-2 with a 3.38 ERA with 35 strikeouts.  Ard was used as a short reliever this past season, with half of his appearances lasting an inning or less and his longest outing lasting 2.1 innings.