Kelly Urban
kurban@tribdem.com
JOHNSTOWN —
Greater Johnstown School District will posthumously honor a former teacher and coach who encouraged his students to pursue greatness, not settle for being good.
The district announced Tuesday it will present its John P. Murtha Friend in Education Award to the late Dave Hart Sr. at a community event at 5 p.m. July 12 at Trojan Stadium.
Dave Hart Jr., who is executive director of athletics at the University of Alabama and a former Johnstown resident, will accept the award on his father’s behalf.
“My father was an exceptional role model for me as a person, coach and an administrator, and he loved people, and athletics was such a big part of his life,” Hart Jr. said in a statement.
“I could not be more appreciative of this gesture to recognize his contributions to JHS and I’m very pleased to participate
in this event.”
The award, first presented in 2001, recognizes individuals who are dedicated to the education of young people. The district named the award in honor of Murtha, a longtime congressman, because of his support of education through scholarships and funding for local youth.
“The recipients must view education as a priority not only for students but as a priority in their own lives,” school district Superintendent Barbara Par-kins said. “No one exemplifies this more directly than our recipient this year.”
Hart Sr. was the Trojans’ football coach from 1954-62. He led an undefeated team to a Western Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic League championship in 1958 and went on to coach at Pitt for three years.
Hart then served as athletics director at the University of Louisville and University of Missouri before becoming commissioner of the Southern Conference. He also served as a consultant to the University of North Carolina’s athletic department, where he raised more than $300,000 for UNC athletes.
He died in 2009.
Woody Barnette, who played football under Hart Sr.’s leadership, called the coach an inspiration who was tough but always wanted his students and athletes to embrace life’s challenges.
“Whether you sat in his classroom or played for him, his memory and influence will always be with you, and it’s still alive today,” Barnette said. “He was a great encourager of young people.”
Tickets are $10 per person and the event is open to the public. It will feature a cookout, activities, entertainment and memorabilia.
Proceeds will benefit the Trojan College Access Center, which provides scholarships to Johnstown high school students.
For more information, call the school district at 533-5601, ext. 1330.
