Speaking
of Sports 

by
Bernie Fratto

 
Don't make it be too late - remembering Dave Hartman

March 31, 2012

If you are reading this article, there's a good chance that Coach Dave Hartman had a positive influence on your child.

Back in early 2006, I wrote about Coach Hartman in a piece you can read right here.

He'd received an award of which he was very deserving. I know this because I saw the positive impact he'd had on my own son. He helped my son mature as a late bloomer, and helped him develop into a key contributor on Novi's 2003 State Semi-Final football team that finished 12-1.

His steady leadership continued to encourage my son as he was also a key cog for Novi's Regional FInal Basketball team in 2004 as they finished with a record of 21-3. Coach Hartman attended games and was supportive of the entire team.

In recent years, I've meant to call him. He was a great guy. I always enjoyed his company. And I wanted him to know that his influence, emphasizing the day-to-day blocking and tackling fundamentals that carry on into everyday life were still having an effect today, as my son is blessed to have a great job for a Fortune 500 company, and was recently asked to move to Indiana as part of a promotion.

I'm mad at myself.

Usually I'm pretty good at following up. This time though, I dropped the ball. I wish I could talk to Coach Hartman one more time. If I could, I'd tell him that everything he stood for produced a lasting effect on the very kids he help to cultivate as they progressed into adulthood.

Now, there is only one lesson to glean.

Don't let it be too late.

You know that person who saw something in you before others did, who showed you a picture of what you could become, and who held you to that standard so you could reach your potential?

Pick up the phone.

Don't let it be too late.

God Bless Dave Hartman. We can't speak to you, but your words still resonate.

(c) 2012  Novi Information Network
www.novi.org