Hartman looks to make immediate impact at OHS and community

ECTOR COUNTY, Texas (KMID/KPEJ) – At the end of June, Odessa High School named their new Campus Coordinator and Head Football Coach, Erik Hartman. Hartman grew up in Odessa and played quarterback for the Bronchos, where he graduated in 1993. From there, he played football at Angelo State University, throwing for 6,006 yards and 49 career touchdown passes.

Hartman comes to Odessa from Corsicana High School, where he was the Assistant Head Coach and Offensive Coordinator, and was at Glen Rose High School in the same role before that. He takes over for Dusty Ortiz, who took the head coaching position at Carrolton Creekview High School. OHS finished the 2023 season with a record of 5-5, and went 2-3 in the district.

Coach Hartman emphasized how much he enjoys being back in his hometown, and he is already looking forward to leading the Bronchos this season. He noted that he wants the kids and the coaches of Odessa High to succeed, and he will do whatever it takes to make that happen.

“We’re going to go out to other sports, it’s not just going to be all about football. I love football and I love to win, but I want everything else to win because success breeds success,” Hartman said.

He wants to build a culture that isn’t just in football, but is through the entire school and the community.

“I want the community to know that I need them. I need them to make sure our kids are showing up to everything and I would like an indoor facility,” Hartman said. “I heard last year it was shut down by not a lot of votes. Our west side people need to rise up and say we need an indoor so we can practice, no matter what the weather is outside.”

Hartman said if OHS wanted to be at the top, they would need everyone on board, from the players to the parents and, most importantly, the community.

“If we can buy into the program and go all in, it turns the tide, and that is what we want.”

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