Player Profile – Will Hartman

School: Sevastopol

School year: Sophomore

Sport: Swimming

What event/races do you participate in? The 200 IM and the 200 free

Do you play other sports? I run cross country and play baseball.

Do you prefer playing team or individual sports? Why? I like the concept of a team because you’re only as good as your weakest link; so it encourages me to get better and help my teammates get better.

What’s your pre-game ritual? I definitely eat a PBJ before my races. It gives me the fuel to pull through in the end.

What’s your favorite warm-up song? Anything with Eminem

What’s been your greatest sports moment so far? Beating out an opponent in this past conference meet by less than a quarter of a second to earn third team all-conference.

What’s been the worst? When I was eight I flinched on the blocks (which resulted in a disqualification) at a club state swim meet in a relay. If I hadn’t flinched our relay would have won state by half a pool length.

Is there an athlete – or anyone else – who inspires you? Conner McHugh, because he has the greatest work ethic I’ve seen. He’s at the pool morning and evening and it pays off. He’s the kind of kid who will get in the water and kids will say, “Whoa…. he’s fast.”

What do you like about swimming? Swimming is just what I’ve done since before I can remember. I love the competition. I love the feeling of pride when you beat your best time and when you always have something to work for.

What’s your favorite sports team to watch? I’ve always been a Chicago Cubs fan, even through the thick and thin.