Why former BC3 basketball coach Dick Hartung wrote a book as keepsake for his children
BUTLER TWP — When it comes to writing a book, Dick Hartung always considered himself an unlikely candidate.
“Look for an individual to write a book, I’d probably be the last in line,” Hartung, 68, said. “I’m not a good writer. I was a below average student, especially in English. It took me two to three years to complete it.
“Writing this book is one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. It’s also one of the most exhilarating things I ever did.”
The book, entitled “Good On Ya!,” is self-published through Amazon and sells for $49.50. It has a hardback cover and is 374 pages in length.
Hartung grew up on Institute Hill in Butler. He taught physical education/health at Butler County Community College and coached 41 basketball seasons — men’s and women’s combined — for the Pioneers. He retired in December of 2022.
Hartung referred to Harry Leyland and Joe Spino as two of the most important people in his life. He sat down and wrote stories about both of them.
“I figured if I could write those stories, I could write a book,” he said. “I didn’t write it looking to make a dime off it. I wrote it for my nine kids. After I’m gone, I wanted them to be able to read about their father’s life and what I was all about.”
Hartung said the book covers his life from the time he was born until now. His family settled in Butler when he was a small child. He graduated from Butler Area High School in 1974.
“Institute Hill was filled with great people,” Hartung said. “I grew up in Butler’s heyday, a wonderful time to grow up. I was influenced by people like Harry Leyland, Art Monteleone, Terry Thompson. ... I’m very grateful for all those who helped me through life.
“I’ve had a lot of lucky breaks. I’ve always considered myself a lucky guy.”
He wrote about the time he spent in high school and college basketball (California, Pa., University), playing basketball in Australia, people who coached him, players he coached, driving the van to take BC3 players to road games, etc. He tells a number of humorous stories throughout the book.
“I can tell a joke I heard 50 years ago,” Hartung said. “This is a book that tells it like it is. I don’t sugarcoat anything, yet I keep the book positive and funny. I want people to laugh and feel good about themselves when they read it. But, again, I don’t hold anything back.”
Hartung said he bought 40 copies of the book himself, giving away 25 to his children, friends and people who have helped him over the years. He sold the other 15 copies.
“I’m planning on buying bother 40 copies or so,” he said. “Again, I didn’t write this to get rich. I wrote this for my kids.”
This story has been corrected to reflect the correct price of the book.
