June 18, 2009

The University of Northwestern Ohio threw their first strike on Thursday, June 18, 2009 as they secured their first leader of the UNOH Baseball team as Kory Hartman accepted the position of Head Coach. Hartman, a former Kent State University hurler, brings a vast knowledge of pitching and coaching experience to UNOH and will look to build the program to an elite status.

After accepting the position, Hartman stated, "I felt that UNOH was a great fit for my family as UNOH came off as a great family oriented University. Everyone was so welcoming and supportive from the start."

Kory Hartman comes to UNOH with several years of coaching experience. Most recently, Hartman spent the last four seasons as the Pitching Coach at former AMC rival, Ohio Dominican. Under Coach Hartman's tutelage, the Panthers pitching staff led the American Mideast Conference in ERA for three straight seasons.

Hartman's coaching career began in 2002 at Johnstown High School. He then went on to coach at Denison University in the fall of 2003 and, before joining the Panther staff, was the pitching coach at Columbus State Community College from 2003-05. Hartman is also in his second season as the pitching coach of the Granville Settlers of the Great Lakes Collegiate Baseball League.

Hartman is a 1995 graduate of Granville High School where he was a highly touted baseball prospect. Hartman's long list of high school accolades include: three-time selection to the All-State Team (1993-95); two-time Ohio Mr. Baseball (1994-95); Honorable Mention All-American (1994-95); two-time All-Mizuno First Team; and a member of the 1995 Team USA.

While at Kent State he was a four year letter winner and a member of the 1996 Mid-American Conference Championship Team. Coach Hartman holds a number of Kent State pitching records along with Ohio High School records, which include strikeouts, career ERA and most wins. His playing days ended after spending three years in the Independent Professional Baseball League.

The Racers will play their first competitive season in the Spring of 2011. When asked about recruiting for the inaugural team, Hartman said "We will recruit competitive talent to win, but we will compete with integrity and do it the right way at UNOH."

Hartman and his wife, Ashley, reside in Newark, Ohio with their daughter, Madison.