Class 2013: Nick Hartling poised to become top receiver in Nova Scotia high school football

Today, CFC features Class 2013 star receiver from the Sir John A MacDonald Flames, Nick Hartling. Nick has played football for the past five years.

Nick Hartling

Positions:
Receiver

Height/Weight:
6’2, 195 lbs

Teams:
Sir John A MacDonald Flames (high school: NSSAFFL)
Halifax Redhawks (junior varsity: NSVFL)
Timberlea Titans (peewee/bantam)
Team Nova Scotia

Commitment:
None

Consideration:
Acadia, Holland College, Mount Allison, SaintMary’s, St. Francis Xavier, Open

Class:
2013

In 2007, Nick began his football career with the Timberlea Titans football organization. During his time with the Titans, he played at both the peewee and bantam levels.

“I decided to play my second year of bantam in 2010 as a grade 10 instead of moving up to play high school,” adds the offensive standout, who’s played for the Halifax Redhawks of the Nova Scotia Varsity Football League (NSVFL). “I decided to stay because I thought it would be a good learning experience as a veteran on the team.”

It was a move that paid off for Nick. For his stellar play on the field, he was honoured with the team’s Leadership Award which is given to the player that best exemplifies heart and dedication.

This past season, the receiver suited up for his high school team, the Sir John A MacDonald Flames of the Nova Scotia Student Athletic Federation Football League (NSSAFFL). During the Flames final regular season against the Cobequid Educational Centre Cougars (CEC), Nick experienced a surreal moment.

“We were playing CEC at home, on a Sunday afternoon and the field was packed with fans, because we had to win to get in to Tier 1 playoffs,” explains the Flames receiver. “At halftime, we were down 21-0 but ended up coming back to win in the fourth quarter and when we took the lead in the dying minutes you could barely hear anything because the crowd was so loud.”

“I’ll never forget that.”

Currently, Nick is on the Team Nova Scotia under-18 player roster and hopes to participate in the Football Canada Cup in London, Ontario next month. Moreover, he continues to workout in the offseason at the Ultimate Athlete Factory, which is owned by Flames head coach Alan Wetmore.

“I’m learning a lot there,” comments Nick. “I’m hoping that the time I put in during my rookie season and the hard work during the offseason will pay off in my grade 12 year as a Flame.”

Speaking of Wetmore, he has played a significant role in Nick’s football career.

“Coach Wetmore is hands down the most influential person in football to me,” explains the Flames receiver of his main gridiron influence. “He taught me a lot about hard work, leadership and how to play with pride and emotion.”

Off the field, Nick’s parents, especially his father, have been a tremendous source of encouragement and motivation.

“My dad always pushed me when it came to football and sports, and I thank him for that,” says the offensive standout. “He and my mom would always make sure I got to practice and would always be at my games to support me.”

Aside from football, Nick has excelled on the diamond as a centerfielder (but can play all outfield positions) for the Hammonds Plains A’s in the Midget AAA Baseball League. However, baseball has taken a back seat for the present moment as his focus has turned towards his football career.

Even though he still has another year of high school, Nick already has some academic and career goals he’s like to achieve in the future.

“For future plans, I would like to study Sociology at university and pursue a career in social work or work with troubled kids,” comments the Flames receiver of his goals.

Overall, the game of football has given Nick the recipe for success, which he applies in all aspects of his life.

“From football, I learned to commit, work hard and take pride in everything I do,” adds the offensive talent.

Flames head coach Wetmore says that Nick has been committed, yet dedicated in his quest to become an elite football player.

“Nick Hartling was always a great kid who was tall, strong and athletic with a lot of potential,” says Wetmore. “This year he had a fantastic offseason and has completely bought in to the game of football.”

“He has committed himself to the game and has been working real hard; the results are really starting to show.”

This upcoming season, Nick will play a prominent role on the Flames offensive unit, which in turn, will allow him to showcase his varying skills on the field.

“For the Flames, not only will he be asked to run the deep route but also be asked to catch in traffic and block at the point of attack,” comments the Flames head coach. “This is how versatile he will be and he will definitely be one to watch this season.”

Wetmore says that Nick is poised to have a successful campaign this upcoming fall in the NSSAFFL as a result of the hard work he will put into his offseason training.

“He will have a great summer of training and with committing himself to perfecting his routes and hands,” assesses Wetmore. “He will be one of the best receivers in Nova Scotia in 2012.”


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