Growing up and branching out
Sophomore Paul Hartmann has come a long way from his lonely high school days.
By Kaden Lamb, writer
Paul Hartmann struggled under the weight of the bar in the Wellness Center. He could only drop into a quarter-squat, lowering his 6’8” frame just a few wobbly inches before bringing the 45-pound bar back up. While the other football players in the room loaded their bars with heavy plates, he tried his best to blend into the mirrored walls.
Hartmann grew up in Sister Bay, Wisconsin. He shared a two-bedroom apartment with his sister Hannah, his brother Timmy and his mom. Hartmann said his dad was more of an inconsistent visitor than a resident until he left for good during Hartmann’s junior year of high school, the same year Hartmann transitioned to public school after being homeschooled by his mother for 11 years.
“I was a shy, isolated kid,” Hartmann said. “[I] didn’t have many friends. I was a weird kid.”
Hartmann looked to leave his past behind him and start fresh at Bethel University. He joined the football team hoping to build relationships and grow his character. Now, as a sophomore, Hartmann spends most of his time with teammates.
“You wouldn’t recognize the kid who I was as a freshman [compared] to who I am now. I am proud. I’ve come a long way.” –Paul Hartmann, sophomore
“You wouldn’t recognize the kid who I was as a freshman [compared] to who I am now,” Hartmann said. “I am proud. I’ve come a long way.”
Senior captain Jack Fiedler appointed Hartmann to “Director of Security” (Doc) of the football team. When trains chug past Royal Stadium during practice, Hartmann sprints to the tracks, drops into his three-point stance and “watches for snipers.” Teammates cheer him on, letting him know his protection is appreciated.
Before being named the Doc, Hartmann felt out of place on the team. The position gives him a sense of purpose, and now everyone on the team knows him.
“Honestly, it’s kind of nice getting all the attention of being the Doc.”
