South Kitsap's Hartmann finding his own path as wrestling coach

Making a visit to the South Kitsap High School wrestling room over the years often involved hearing the frequent sound of 1980s rock music blaring through speakers.

Some things have changed now that former Wolves state champion Conner Hartmann is the man in charge in Port Orchard. But some things remain the same, including Hartmann's desire to have his wrestlers train while listening to some of former head coach Chad Nass' favorite tunes.

"I will admit I’ve broken out 'Rocky 4' two or three times this season, for old time’s sake," Hartmann said.

It's been a roll-with-the-punches sort of season for the 28-year-old Hartmann, whose team competed in the South Kitsap Invitational on Saturday. South Kitsap went over a month between competitions due to a mix of COVID-19 cancellations, winter break, snow days and staff shortages that led to South Kitsap School District shutting down schools and activities on Jan. 14, 17 and 18.

After competing in the Pat Alexander Invitational in Tumwater on Dec. 18, the Wolves weren't able to compete in a pair of tournaments (Gut Check Challenge and Lake Stevens Invitational) and saw four dual matches postponed.

"I thought we would be dealing with a few less issues than we have, for sure," said Hartmann, who won an individual state title while competing for Nass at South Kitsap in 2011, then became a three-time All-American at Duke University. "I never anticipated the scheduling troubles. I remember there were two weeks this season where I easily spent 10-15 hours scheduling stuff, only to have something canceled."

Time is precious for Hartmann, who works as a financial advisor in Gig Harbor. He and his wife Brooke welcomed their first child, a daughter, in October. He also become South Kitsap Rotary president this summer and has seen his business responsibilities grow.

Add in the responsibilities of a first-year wrestling head coach, Hartmann admits he's "burning candles on both ends.” Working in his favor, Hartmann said, is that he has tremendous administrative support, including first-year athletic director Lindsey Foster.

Another ace in the hole for Hartmann is that Nass, who teaches physical education at the high school, hasn't stepped away from supporting the program. He's serving as event manager for South Kitsap's home competitions this season.

"Chad went from head coach to being No. 1 fan," said Hartmann, who worked as one of Nass' assistants for five seasons. "He has been instrumental in making sure there’s been a smooth transition behind the scenes. He’s almost my lobbyist in the school because it is harder when you don’t have a coach that is in building. That’s definitely always been one of the biggest problems for a lot of people who, like myself, work in the private sector."

Nass began coaching South Kitsap in 2004 and stepped down last summer as one of the most successful coaches in any sport in Kitsap County. He guided the Wolves to 14 regular season league titles and the 2018 Class 4A title, marking the first time a wrestling team from Kitsap captured a state championship.

Nass told Hartmann prior to the 2021 season that he'd be stepping away — and didn't leave him empty-handed.

“Chad gave me literally his practice plans and I’ve taken them and kind of just adjusted them and added pieces: some of the things I like the most, some of the things I experienced in college," Hartmann said. "He and I are very similar."

With the pair in regular contact, Nass said he's told Hartmann this is likely the toughest season he'll experience as a head coach. He thinks his protégé is handling himself like a seasoned veteran.

“He worries about what he can control and not what he can't control," Nass said.

Hartmann admits his wrestlers have been frustrated by all the interruptions, but they are also learning lessons in the process.

"It's taught them to love competition even more," Hartmann said. "I can't remember a team that has so desperately looked forward to wrestling and getting every single match that they possibly can. This atmosphere has created that for them."

This article originally appeared on Kitsap Sun: South Kitsap's Hartmann finding his own path as wrestling coach