Men’s basketball head coach Everett Hartman announced his retirement from coaching earlier this week, leaving the program with a very successful three seasons under his belt. During those seasons, Coach Hartman led his team to a 51-35 overall record.
“Anytime you finish doing something you’ve loved for 32 years, there will be a bit of mixed feelings” said Coach Hartman
Hartman revitalized the Linn-Benton basketball program, achieving things that many coaches from decades past tried doing themselves. His success the past few seasons has bred a good culture within the LBCC basketball program and he has a good formula for success; one that is all about unity and communication.
In 2016, Hartman finished with an overall record of 14-13 overall and 8-8 in conference. This proved to be the Roadrunners first winning record since the 2006-2007 season, just barely missing out on the NWAC playoffs by one game. The next season, Hartman and the Roadrunners achieved a 22-10 record. This record made history, as it was the best Roadrunner record since 1972-1973, a 45 year span. They proceeded to make it to the Final Four in the NWAC playoffs, but fell short of the title. Hartman capped his career off at LBCC by finishing 15-12 overall despite losing their number one scorer, Bailey Evers, to a broken wrist nine games in. They finished with a 9-7 record in the southern region, once again one game short of the playoffs.
Five freshman will return to the roster next season, as well as an upcoming transfer from Concordia University in Portland.
“The staff will look to recruit seven to eight players at positions needed. They’ll focus on skill development and weight room work to be bigger, faster, and stronger,” said Hartman.
Coach Hartman has spent the last three years working at creating a different culture and frame work, and what he’s done for the program has lifted it to heights unseen in decades. In terms of a replacement, Athletic Director Mark Majeski has began the process of a new hire, but no names have been mentioned yet.
“Teams reflect the personality of their coaches, and Everett’s team was gritty, gutsy, no-nonsense, and focused on the fundamentals. Everett and his coaching staff maximized each players ability and collectively they demonstrated high IQ,” said Majeski.
Despite his departure, Hartman remains confident in the future of LB’s basketball program.
“All things look on the upswing for the Roadrunners heading into 2019-2020 and i’m sure Mark will hire the right person to carry on the positive environment established,” said Hartman.
Story by Cam Hanson