GIHS alum Carlin Hartman a national champion

Hartman to return to high school later this month

By Michael J. Billoni

Senior Contributing Writer

Carlin Hartman said it best just hours after the Florida Gators’ thrilling, 65-63 victory over Houston Cougars in the NCAA men’s basketball National Championship on Monday night in San Antonio: “Literally what it’s all about!! #FAMILY,” the University of Florida’s associate head coach posted on social media under a photo of him smiling, surrounded by his immediate family, and standing next to the impressive NCAA National Championship trophy.

Family has always been at the center of Hartman’s life, dating back to his standout career as a student-athlete at Grand Island High School, where he graduated in 1990 with five varsity letters – three in basketball and two in baseball. He became the Vikings’ all-time leading scorer on the court with 1,513 points, a record that still stands today. He also set school records for rebounds (787) and blocks (221), underscoring his dominant presence in the paint.

Hartman was born on Buffalo’s East Side, but relocated to the city’s West Side before his mother, Darlene Brown, moved the family to Grand Island. There, the 6-foot-5 freshman with the big smile and outgoing personality found a home on the basketball court under legendary coach and athletic director Jon Roth.

It did not take long for Hartman to become part of the Vikings’ family, and the Roth family, as he and the coach and his son, Jeff, would travel to basketball games throughout Western New York when the Vikings were not playing.

Hartman and his pals were at coach Roth’s home watching March Madness games – for a high school basketball player, the ultimate dream: for your team to advance to the Final Four, and for you to be on the ladder cutting down the nets after winning the nationally televised championship game.

That dream became a reality for Hartman after the Gators’ star player, Walter Clayton Jr., produced the defensive gem of his career to solidify the victory.

Carlin Hartman and his family celebrate after Monday's victory for the University of Florida Gators in the NCAA basketball National Championship. (Courtesy of the Carlin Hartman collection)

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On the basketball court for the Vikings, Hartman was named to the Niagara Frontier League all-league team three times, including two first team selections, and was chosen for the prestigious All-WNY team twice, including a first team selection as a senior in 1990. He also was a McDonald’s High School All American as a senior. In 2024, Hartman was inducted into the Grand Island High School Athletic Hall of Fame.

Hartman's record points painted on a basketball and on display at GIHS. (Courtesy of Grand Island High School)

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On Friday, April 25, Hartman returns to his Grand Island family to be inducted into the school’s Distinguished Alumni Wall of Fame.

“Carlin Hartman’s journey from Grand Island to the NCAA National Championship stage is nothing short of extraordinary,” said Dr. Brian Graham, superintendent of schools on Grand Island. “Carlin’s success as associate head coach of the Florida Gators, coupled with his legacy as one of Grand Island High School’s all-time top basketball players, reflects the talent, determination and character he developed right here in our community.

“Additionally, we are incredibly proud to induct Carlin into the school’s Distinguished Alumni Wall of Fame. He now shares the rare and remarkable distinction of being honored in both the Athletic Hall of Fame and our Distinguished Alumni Wall of Fame – joining fellow trailblazer Dr. Stacey Schroeder-Watt as the only two graduates to receive both honors. True Viking legends.”

Hartman was heavily recruited by colleges during his senior year and chose Tulane University, where he became an integral part of its basketball program. As a first-year student, he was named to the 1991 Metro Conference All-Freshman Team. His sophomore year saw him earn the title of Metro Conference 6th Man of the Year. He played in two NCAA Tournaments and served as team captain during his junior and senior years. Upon graduation, he ranked in the school’s top 10 in points (1,180), field goal percentage (53%), steals (147) and offensive rebounds (267).

Hartman is also a two-time Hall of Famer at Tulane, earning the distinction as a member of the 1991-92 basketball team in 2020 and as a player in 2023.

His championship season as associate head coach at Florida was his 25th year on the collegiate level, having previously served on the staff at the University of Richmond, Rice University, the University of Oklahoma and UNLV. During his amazing journey, Hartman has been a driving force in player development and program success.

A family person, Hartman and his wife, Christine, are the proud parents of Sydney (29), Kailyn (28), Tess (26) and Joseph (17).