He was elevated to head coach on the afternoon of January 14.  Basically, as the Golden Bears basketball team was getting on the bus to travel to a game at Columbus East.

Now, it's official as he becomes only the second Shelbyville player to coach boys hoops at his alma mater, John Hartnett, Jr. has removed the interim tag from his title.  He was approved Wednesday as the new head coach of the boys basketball program.

He says being named head coach already feels different.

Along with Harry Larrabee, Hartnett wore the uniform and now will work the sidelines.

The stretch during the last half of last season as interim coach may have to serve as the team’s summer workout – getting to know each other.  COVID-19 may eliminate most of the team’s summer schedule.

The new coach isn't yet ready to bite on early tidbits for next season.