Hartman Chooses to Run for Villanova

David Hartman of Canyon High has committed to compete in track and cross-country at Villanova, choosing the Wildcats over Wisconsin and Arizona.

Hartman visited Villanova two weeks ago and decided Friday that he preferred the Philadelphia school because of its location and the changes in its track program. Marty Stern, the school’s successful coach of the women’s track team, took over the men’s program this year.

“I wanted to go away and experience a different culture,” Hartman said. “I also like that they’re trying to rebuild the program with Coach Stern.”

Hartman won the Southern Section 4-A Division cross-country title as a junior and placed third in the Kinney nationals in November.

He ran a personal best 9 minutes 6 seconds at 3,200 meters in the Arcadia meet earlier this month. That time is the fastest in the nation this year among high school runners.

Hartman said he would concentrate on the 5,000 meters and build up to the 10,000 in college.