Hartleb to return in 2011

orangebluesun09 001 If you’re a fan of Coach Hartleb (and if I’m a good judge, most of us are), rest assured.  He has been told by athletic director Ron Guenther that he still has a job

The UI Athletic Department has said all year that it was going to wait till the end of the season before it addressed the issue of Hartleb’s return after his five-year contract was up.  They didn’t wait long as the assurance came just a few days after the Illini’s season was up.  The details of the contract will be announced once everything gets approved.  Coach Hartleb plans to bring back his coaching staff of Eric Snider and Ken Westray

Hartleb has been with the Fighting Illini for 20 years now, 15 as assistant coach and associate coach under Itch Jones.  The last five years he’s been the fearless leader of the Illinois baseball team and for the most part has had a successful reign.  His record to date is 151-127 with a 73-68 Big Ten record.  He brought our team to the Big Ten Tournament four years in a row (2006-2009). 

More important than on-the-field success though is Hartleb’s emphasis on academics and discipline.  He’s had to make a few tough calls in the last few years but they were the RIGHT calls. 

wmu 045 No doubt, 2010 was Hartleb’s toughest year.  Granted Illinois did break even at 26-26 but with a 10-14 Big Ten record, they didn’t make the Tournament.  Losing two key players didn’t help.  Phil Haig’s indiscretion prevented him from joining the team (see above paragraph about discipline) and Matt Dittman’s unfortunate injury during his fantastic early seaosn really hurt,  Inexperience was probably also a factor.

That said, those inexperienced players just got a season under their belt and are looking forward to a breakout 2011.

A quick look at Hartleb’s record as head coach at Illinois:

YEAR    RECORD    BIG TEN
2006    29-29    15-17 (T5th)
2007    31-27    16-14 (5th)
2008    31-25    16-15 (4th)
2009    34-20    16-8 (4th)
2010    26-26    10-14 (9th)
Totals    151-127    73-68

Glad to be having you back, Coach!

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