Boston College Athletics
Peter Harrold - The Ultimate Balancing Act
October 28, 2004 | Men's Hockey
Oct. 28, 2004
The decision came down to four schools for junior Peter Harrold. His choices were Boston University, Michigan State, Miami of Ohio and Boston College. The Ohio native had some factors affecting his choice. One such factor was that his older brother, Josh, played at Miami, earning four varsity letters.
However, the more you learn about Peter, the less of a choice it seems. The season before Peter entered college hockey, playing his second year of juniors for the Cleveland Barons, BC had won the national championship. That obviously stood out in Peter's mind.
While on the topic of Peter's mind, the academic experience he would encounter at BC was what sealed the decision for him. The combination of the best college hockey program in the country with a school whose academics are top shelf made the choice easy.
From the beginning, Peter's parents have always been avid supporters of his hockey career. One may think that going to school in Boston would be problematic for his Ohio parents in terms of going to his games. In reality, the distance is not an issue. Peter's parents make it to every game. From last year's games in North Dakota to Maine, the Harrolds were in attendance.
Peter is a history major and will soon declare a minor in theology or political science. His 3.75 GPA last year earned him Male Scholar Athlete of the Year at the All-Sports Banquet. The award is given to one male and one female who exemplify a unique balance of athletic and academic achievement. BC recognizes the time constraints put on student athletes at this school. Therefore, the discipline necessary to earn this honor is extraordinary.
Peter recalls the event at the banquet: "I was sitting there and they described the honor. Then they started reading off stats and academic accolades when Dave [Spina] leaned over and said `That's you, man.' It was still a surprise when they called my name."
Make no mistake, Peter is humble too. BC is an institution that puts an equivalent emphasis on athletics and academics. To be honored as the epitome of this balance as a sophomore is a much bigger deal than Peter will let on. For this early to bed, early to rise type, these honors become a normal aspect of his life.
Peter has a diligent work ethic. He is up at eight every morning. After a full day of class, he hits the ice with the team and after, he returns to hit the books for the evening. The routine would wear most people down, but Peter has learned to strive, and is recognized for his accomplishments under these conditions.
"I am a morning guy and that's just the way I do things, in-season and out. For an athlete, there is really no off-season."
The fact remains, Peter loves to take on a challenge. Throughout his career, he has played in some big games and notched impressive performances. For example, his junior team made the playoffs his first season. The Barons' chances looked grim as they lost the first game of the three-game series.
The second game was close, but Peter's team pulled out the win. The pressure built and the stakes were high in the rubber match. Peter has a history of tallying big games with the pressure on. This time was no different. Peter, not a perennial goal-scorer, put up a hat-trick to advance to the next level.
That game alone encapsulates that which Peter brings to the ice- a confidence in times of struggle. "That is one of the best memories I have. The team really came together when it counted. That along with the Beanpot title last year stand out in my mind as the most remarkable team efforts I've experienced. Hopefully there are more of those moments to come in the next couple of years at BC."
Peter played in 40 games last season and was truly an asset on the ice. He finished the 2003-04 campaign with a plus-19 rating, which was second only to Andrew Alberts among returning defensemen.
Peter's clutch style carried over in the opening rounds of the NCAA tournament last season. Gaining momentum at the beginning of the post-season is imperative, so Peter took it upon himself to make it happen. In BC's first round game against Niagara, Peter scored one of his two goals of the 2003-04 season. That game-winner helped BC to a bid to the quarterfinals of the NCAA tournament.
Then BC advanced to the second round game against Michigan. Peter, again, striving under pressure, tallied an assist in regulation. The game was locked at two after the clock expired in the third period. Peter was unphased by the stakes of the game as he delivered the puck to Ben Eaves who notched the remarkable game-winning goal.
In both games, Peter stepped up and made the plays necessary for the team to win. These were not to pad his personal statistics; they were gutsy performances in big games, something Peter is known for.
Peter looks forward to taking the ice this season. "Opening with some tough teams like Denver and North Dakota is great. Coach York does not schedule easy games, so we'll quickly get things rolling in 2004."
Head coach Jerry York commented on Peter's team contributions: "What impresses me most about Peter are his constant improvements. Each year, he has raised the level of his playing. He has become a key part of his team, both defensively and offensively. His defensive awareness has always been great, and, last season, his confidence in the offensive zone improved dramatically. He is dangerous from the blue line and we look forward to his performance this year."
We can all look forward to Peter meeting the early season challenges head-on. From the classroom to the ice, his discipline paves the way for success.
