Bethel High School’s Matthew Hartmann is more than the Wildcats’ middle linebacker and tight end. He is determined to be the kind of steady, servant leader his teammates can count on as they navigate change and chase improvement this fall.
Hartmann points first to home when he talks about where that leadership standard comes from. “The person who inspires me most is my dad. He has always been there for me in everything that I do, whether it’s football or life in general. He leads by example and has taught me what it means to be a man by working hard, putting others first, and doing the right thing even when it’s not easy. Most importantly, he has taught me what it looks like to be a follower of Christ. Watching the way, he lives his life motivates me to become the kind of man and person I want to be.”
That mindset has been important during a summer of transition for Bethel. The Wildcats had their head coach and defensive coordinator depart, forcing players to adjust quickly to a new staff and new systems. “While we have had a lot of changes happen this summer, such as our head coach/ defensive coordinator leave and new coaches come in, we have not let that deter us from where we want to become week zero. We have accepted the change and worked through it to be the best team we can be.”
Hartmann credits former teammate with showing him how to lead from his positions. “A former teammate that has left an impression on me is Austin Melson. He played the same positions as me and showed me what I need to do to lead the team. He never gave up and always wanted everyone to be their best selves. I strive to have the attributes that he has shown, and I am grateful for the leadership and impact he has left on me.”
An injury kept Hartmann off the field last season, but he turned that setback into a chance to learn. “While I unfortunately was unable to participate in the sport last year due to an injury, I was able to take that time to watch and learn. Being on the sidelines gave me a different perspective and helped me see the game and my teammates in a new way. It also showed me the kind of leader I want to be. This season, I want to lead by serving my teammates and doing whatever I can to help them succeed, both on and off the field.”
On the field, Hartmann leans on his football IQ as he adjusts to a new defensive scheme. “I would say my biggest strength is my intelligence, and ability to learn and adapt. With a new defensive coordinator comes a new defense, but I feel we are doing an incredible job overcoming this obstacle and our coaches are doing an incredible job on insuring that we understand. When it comes to me personally, I feel I need to communicate to my teammates what I am thinking to make sure everyone is on the same page. It is my job to make the calls on defense and when I lack communication it can throw the whole scheme off.”
