Park District's Coach of the Year Ed Hartig Honored at Tuesday's Board Meeting

Ed Hartig, head coach of the U-12 girls Woodridge Soccer team, was honored at Tuesday's Park District board meeting for receiving the district's Coach of the Year.

It is the second year the Park District has given out the award. The community is encouraged to submit nominations for the award, and the district chooses based on those nominations.

This year, the Park District received 12 nominations; 5 were for Hartig.

"The parents felt that he was very positive and promoted fun and a positive attitude," said Dan Peboontom, athletic supervisor for the Park District. "The girls enjoy going to practice."

He said the district's rec leagues rely heavily on its about 200 coaches throughout the year.

Peboontom honored Hartig with a Coach of the Year pull-over and a gold-plated whistle.

"I'm humbled," Hartig said. "I didn't get into coaching for things like this. I got into coaching for girls like you. This is really a team award. We have a great team. They're hard-working, never quit and never back down.

They're 14 of the nicest, goofiest, funniest kids to work with. They're an example of what you want your son, daughter, nephew to be."

Hartig said the team also has great family involvement.

"From parents, brothers, sisters, and neighbor George...They help set up the nets," Hartig said. "They join us biking through Waterfall Glen."

Hartig also credited his coaching staff and the park district for taking care of the fields, finances and equipment.

"It is a very unique situation," Hartig said. "As a coach I don't have to worry about that. I can just focus on the girls."

Check out our Q&A with Hartig here.