Hartsburg-Emden hires Zachary
Hansen as 35th varsity boys basketball coach
[May 22, 2026]
Hartsburg-Emden has hired its 35th boys varsity basketball
coach in program history — Coach Zachary Hansen!!!
Coach Hansen brings a strong basketball background to Hartem. He
grew up around the game, played collegiately at both Benedictine
University and Eureka College, and earned a Bachelor of Science in
Criminal Justice.
Coach Hansen comes to Hartem after spending the last couple of
seasons as an assistant coach at Normal West High School, where he
gained valuable experience in program development and day-to-day
operations. He played high school basketball under respected Central
Illinois coach Dave Mott at Pekin High School. Coach Mott was well
known for his strong man-to-man defensive principles and high-octane
offense — two traits Coach Hansen plans to bring to Hartem.
Hartem Athletic Director Ron Spencer said, “Coach Hansen brings a
defensive mindset, energy, and approach to the game that aligns well
with what I value and what I believe our high school basketball
program needs moving forward. I am excited for our student-athletes
and look forward to watching our high school program develop under
Coach Hansen’s leadership.”
[to top of second column] |
As an interesting side note, Coach Hansen’s father is currently the
varsity basketball coach at Delavan, which should add an extra
element to that conference matchup in the future.
[Ron Spencer
Athletic Director
Jr. High Boys Basketball Coach
Hartsburg-Emden CUSD #21] |
