BILL HARTMAN

Bill Hartman starred for Georgia Military Prep’s 1933 team that was coached by Wallace Butts and declared a state champion. According to the Macon Telegraph, Hartman “was the outstanding star of the game” in a 26-0 victory over Gordon Institute that clinched the mythical title. Hartman played quarterback and running back and was highly regarded prior to Georgia Military when playing at Madison A&M. He played fullback and linebacker at Georgia and made an All-America team in 1937. Hartman became the first Georgia Bulldog ever taken in the NFL Draft as the 69th overall pick in 1938. He played one NFL season, starting four games, though mostly backing up legendary quarterback Sammy Baugh, but he declined to return to the league and joined Georgia’s coaching staff full-time under Butts and served until 1956. He later worked as a volunteer kicking coach under Vince Dooley for 20 years. Hartman became a legendary figure in the Athens community and Georgia’s athletic department. He was president of the university's alumni association and the Georgia Student Educational Fund, which was formed to raise private funds for athletic scholarships. Hartman entered the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame in 1981, the College Football Hall of Fame in 1984 and the University of Georgia’s Circle of Honor in 1999. Hartman passed away in 2006 at age 90.