SAINT PAUL, Minn. — After serving 25 years as Hamline University athletics strength and conditioning coach, Chris Hartman has announced his retirement following the 2025-26 academic year. 

"I am announcing my retirement from the Hamline University Athletic Department. I have had the privilege of working with the coaches and student-athletes at Hamline for the past 25 years. Everyday it was a joy to show up to work alongside our devoted administration and coaching staff to guide and motivate Piper Student-Athletes to be the best version of themselves," says Hartman,  "I want to thank the entire Athletic community for supporting me and my attempts to make each person I had the opportunity to work with just a little better each day. I wish all the Administrators, Coaches and Student-Athletes nothing but the best moving forward. GO PIPERS!"

Coach Hartman Hartman has been the strength and conditioning coach for Hamline's 20 NCAA Division III teams since the 2001-2002 academic year. In addition, he served as the interim director of athletics during the latter portion of the 2007-08 academic year and has since served as an associate athletic director, overseeing game management in which he direct oversight and responsibility for event management.

Previously, Hartman served as strength and conditioning coach for the University of Minnesota football team from 1995-2001. He was an assistant at Stanford University for one season, and head strength coach for the San Diego Chargers for two seasons, prior to joining the Gophers. Hartman was named Big 10 Strength and Conditioning Coach of the Year in 1998.

As a student-athlete, he was a three-year starter and four-year letter-winner in football at Bowling Green State University (Ohio) from 1982-1985. He competed in two bowl games and was named captain and All-Conference his senior year.

Assistant Vice President and Athletic Director Alex Focke adds, "Coach Hartman has made a lasting impact on so many Hamline student-athletes throughout his career with his leadership, consistency, and care for others. His "Hartman workouts" pushed our student-athletes to grow not only as competitors, but as people, and we're grateful for everything he has given to Hamline Athletics. Thank you, Coach Hartman, for all that you have done!" 

Associate Athletic Director Beth Rittler also adds, "I am so grateful to have worked with Coach Hartman over the years.  He's had an impact not only on student-athletes but all of our staff.  Thanks for everything, Coach - you will be missed!"

On behalf of the entire Hamline athletics department, thank you for everything you have done in your 25 years here at Hamline University, Coach Hartman!