I.C. West has simple goal: Win district, move on

IOWA CITY - Even after a stellar first season, Garrett Hartwig didn't know if he'd be back as coach for Iowa City West.

Hartwig led the Trojans to a quarterfinal playoff appearance last season - matching the school's best finish in the last 12 years. But those results came under the 'interim” coach label and Hartwig knew before the season started the school would reopen the position with a full search in the winter.

'There were periods of uncertainty where I had to stop and pause and reflect and figure out if this is what I really wanted to do,” Hartwig said. 'Based on the experience I had and the group of kids we have coming back, and the coaches that said they'd stick around, there was no doubt that I wanted to come back.”

West athletics director Scott Kibby said the school was committed to a comprehensive coaching searching, involving players and parents interviewing candidates. Hartwig was the clear choice, Kibby said.

'There were some sleepless nights, but it worked out in the end,” Hartwig said. 'I'm thankful to be a part of the situation now at West.”

Hartwig's second season at West starts with a new perspective - and the benefit of time.

A year ago, Hartwig was named interim coach after Brian Sauser's sudden departure in May 2014. Hartwig, who spent the previous six seasons as an assistant on Sauser's staff, had to quickly put together his plans for camp and the season.

Fast forward to today. Hartwig said one of his biggest lessons as a first-year head coach was understanding the season is a process. The key, he said, is in-season improvement that maintains physical strength with a trajectory to peak in district play and the postseason.

The goals start with the first day of practice, then the first week and first month and so on. West's goals for this season are simple - win District 7 and go from there.

'He would be the first to tell you he has high expectations for his program,” Kibby said. 'It's the culture of the school because we have so many programs that are so strong.”

West returns 11 starters from last season's 7-5 team. Hartwig called this group experienced, consistent and cerebral - four seniors have incredible GPAs and one scored a perfect ACT.

'I've got a couple of linebackers who are much smarter than I am,” Hartwig said.

The Trojans are loaded with talented playmakers on the offensive side of the ball.

Senior Yeshuwa Hicks ran for 544 yards and six touchdowns last fall. Mason Koch and Mason Carter, who is returning from injury, will add experienced depth.

Speedy all-state receiver Oliver Martin returns after recording 759 yards and five touchdowns last season.

Senior Alex Henderson, who finished third on the team in receiving last year, is expected to take over at quarterback.

'We have seniors in the right places,” Hartwig said. 'I'm excited for them. They've waited their turn to lead this team and this program and what we've seen (in practice) has not disappointed.”

IOWA CITY WEST, at a glance

Coach: Garrett Hartwig (2nd year, 7-5)

Last year: 7-5, 4A playoffs qualifier (beat Ottumwa, Linn-Mar, lost to Cedar Rapids Washington, 44-19, in quarterfinals)

Returning letterwinners: WR/DB Oliver Martin, OL/DL Alex Kleinow, RB Yeshuwa Hicks, Alex Henderson QB/WR, Mason Koch LB/FB, Donovan Doyle DE/TE, Bryson Adcock WR/DB, WR/DB Gabe Huinker, OL Griffin Blackhurst, OL Mitch Boxwell, LB Max Brown, TE/DE Chase Blatz, WR/DB Dallas Majors, WR/DB Dylan Sharp, RB/DB Barrett Weihe, OL Jared Jones, LB/RB Thad Nelson, OL/DL Parker Sherlock

Key losses: S John Milani, QB/DB Aaron Bleil, WR/DB Tyler Eads TE/LB Conner Greene, DL Mitch Yoerger, RB/LB Kevin Dowell

Key to making the playoffs: The Trojans need to stay healthy for district play after a challenging slate of West Des Moines Valley, Cedar Rapids Kennedy, Cedar Rapids Washington and Iowa City High in non-district play.

Game to watch: West closes the season at Pleasant Valley on Oct. 23 in a game that may decide the winner of District 7.

Schedule (*district game)

Sept, 27 - at Cedar Rapids Kennedy

Sept. 4 - West Des Moines Valley

Sept. 11 - Cedar Rapids Washington

Sept. 18 - at Iowa City High

Sept. 25 - *Davenport Central

Oct. 2 - at Bettendorf

Oct. 9 - *Dubuque Hempstead

Oct. 16 - *at Davenport North

Oct. 23 - *at Pleasant Valley