Schools

Hinsdale Central Names Dan Hartman Head Football Coach

Evergreen Park coach considered "hottest ticket out there." D86 board approves hiring at special meeting.


Dan Hartman, who compiled a 27-9 record in his three years as head varsity football coach for Evergreen Park Community High School, has been hired by Hinsdale Central to head its varsity football program, starting this summer.

Hartman led the Mustangs to their first conference championship in over 30 years, who ended the 2013 season 10-1.

The Hinsdale Dist. 86 school board announced Hartman’s hiring after a special board meeting on Monday evening. Hartman will also teach social studies at Hinsdale Central.

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The Red Devils ended the 2013 season 5-5.

Hartman took over as Evergreen Park’s head football coach in 2011 from Mike Barry, who helms Hinsdale South’s football program.

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In his three years at Evergreen Park, Hartman took the team to the IHSA State Playoffs  each year. In 2012 he brought Evergreen Park to the State semifinals, and in 2013, the quarterfinals. Prior to his arrival, Evergreen Park’s record was 16-30.

Hartman began his coaching career at East Central High School in Indiana in 2006. From 2008-2011 he was an assistant varsity coach at Crown Point High School.   

In addition to his coaching expertise, Hartman has a bachelor’s degree in secondary education with an emphasis in social studies. He also holds two masters degrees in reading and educational leadership.

In 2012-13, Hartman was named Evergreen Park Community High School’s Educator of the Year.

Hartman told D81 board members that he instills the values learned on the field -- commitment, discipline, pride, effort and toughness -- into the classroom.

“Teaching is my love and football is my passion,” Hartman said in written news advisory. “My philosophy is that it is my job as a teacher and coach to help each student reach his or her full potential in the classroom and on the field. My vision is to lead the Hinsdale Central Football Program to success not only on the football field by competing for state championships, but also off the field by helping student athletes develop life-long skills that each individual will be able to utilize in their respective futures.”

Hinsdale Central Athletic Director Dan Jones said staff and players are anxious to get started this summer.

“In Coach Hartman we got a successful, dedicated and passionate professional,” Jones said.  “Coach Hartman really impressed our interview committee with his strategic plan for the Red Devil program. He is organized and is motivated to move our program forward. The Hinsdale Central staff and players are anxious and excited to get started this summer.”   

Hartman’s former athletic director at Evergreen Park, Jim Soldan, wished him the best.

“Dan did a lot in three years,” Soldan said. “He got us to point where we are a well-respected football team in the state. Hinsdale Central is getting a great coach.”

Visit the Hinsdale Central Athletic site for player registration and summer camp information.



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