Jack Hartman was born on July 10, 1925 in Oklahoma. He grew up with a passion for sports and excelled in both basketball and football. Hartman went on to play college basketball and football at Oklahoma State University.
After his college career, Hartman played professional football in the Canadian Football League before ultimately deciding to pursue a career in coaching. It was during his time at Oklahoma State that he had the opportunity to learn from legendary basketball coach Henry Iba.
Jack Hartman began his coaching career in 1955 as an assistant under Henry Iba at Oklahoma State. He quickly established himself as a talented coach and in 1965, he was hired as the head coach at Southern Illinois University. During his time at SIU, Hartman led the team to great success, including an appearance in the NIT tournament.
In 1970, Hartman made the move to Kansas State University where he would become a coaching legend. Over the course of his 16 seasons at Kansas State, Hartman led the Wildcats to three Big Eight titles and two Big Eight tournament titles. In 1981, he was named the National Coach of the Year, solidifying his place among the coaching elite.
Jack Hartman was not only a successful coach, but he was also a devoted family man. He was married to his wife, Pat Hartman, until his passing. Together, they had a daughter named Jackie.
After retiring from coaching in 1986, Jack Hartman remained involved in basketball as a consultant and mentor to young coaches. His impact on the game was felt for years to come, as he inspired countless players and coaches with his passion and dedication to the sport.
Jack Hartman passed away on November 5, 1998, but his legacy lives on in the many lives he touched throughout his storied career.