Family, Friends Seek Living Memorial for Hartzler

Some people do things because they need to be done, not because of the time in the spotlight. This kind of person has a passion that is seen in how he, or she, works with people and applies the sweat to be quietly involved in projects benefitting those same people.

Sidney and Cheyenne County overall has people with those qualities. In December 2019, friends and family said their goodbyes to Alan Hartzler of Sidney, one of the people whose passion was young people and sports.

"He had a really strong tie to youth sports in the community," said John Phillips.

Phillips credits Hartzler with developing travel basketball teams in the area before it was an accepted practice, and before the Cheyenne County Community Center was built.

"He had a passion for youth basketball," said his widow Mickie Hartzler. "They would travel from the time they were in fourth grade, coach him team, and travel to tournaments until they were freshmen."

The kids he coached as fourth graders graduated from high school in 2009. The kids turned blossoming adults grew up with his children, and he likely valued them as he did his own. He was also a "cheer dad." His daughter followed the excitement of the cheer squad more than the athletics on the court.

His history of working with the young athletes, being a mentor deliberately and likely to more people than he was aware, he also developed a network of friends. Many of those same friends and family hope to build a legacy that will last for years to come, a public facility that could perpetuate one of Hartzler's passions: youth sports.

Sidney Parks/Aquatic Center/Cemetery Superintendent Tom Von Seggern, and John Phillips, addressed the Sidney City Council Jan. 28 regarding a proposal to construct a basketball court in Hartzler's memory. The proposed site of the new basketball court is 519 Toledo St. Phillips said the vision is for a regulation-size basketball court, a place where youth could play in the heat of a summer afternoon and on weekend weekends.

The proposed basketball court would be constructed of concrete about 84 feet long and 50 feet with, the specifications of a high school basketball court. The court would be equipped with a goal at each end, allowing for the option of full- or half-court games. The court would be oriented to play north and south. The site is adjacent to the sand volleyball court east of the Cheyenne County Community Center.

Funding for the project will primarily come from private sources. Vice-Mayor Joe Arterburn asked Phillips if he is seeking funding from the City. Phillips said any funding would be appreciated. However, he believes the community could raise most of the costs.

"I think we can raise a considerable amount," said Phillips.

The family and supporting friends are busy planning fund-raising events to finance the project. Organizers are planning and dinner and movie night at the Elks Lodge, with a silent auction. They are also working on details for a cornhole tournament, a trap shoot, and possibly an archery event. The events are parallel to Hartzler's interest: youth sports, hunting, fishing and anything outdoors.

Mayor Roger Gallaway agreed with the importance of the project.

"I think it would be a definite added improvement," Gallaway said.

An account has been established at Platte Valley Bank, the "Alan Hartzler Basketball Fundraiser" for anyone who wants to donate the the project. Phillips said Monday the have two bids for the cement work.

Once the project is paid for and completed, maintenance will be the responsibility of City staff.