Jasper, Indiana – The Jasper High School football program has officially welcomed its new head coach, Derek Hart, who was approved during the Greater Jasper Consolidated Schools board meeting on Monday. Hart is set to lead the Wildcats after a career that includes a 35-36 record over seven seasons and a notable appearance in a state championship game in Illinois.
In recent years, Hart coached at North Central High School in Indianapolis, which faced a tough challenge last season, finishing with an 0-10 record against the fourth-hardest schedule in the state according to the Sagarin ratings. Prior to that, he enjoyed considerable success at Kankakee High School in Illinois, where he compiled an impressive 34-8 record over four seasons. His team at Kankakee made a significant run to the Class 5A state championship in 2021.
Hart has deep roots in the region, with his family being well-known in Southwestern Indiana football. His father, John Hart, has celebrated championship victories at three different schools, and his brother, Nick, is a state champion coach and current athletic director at Gibson Southern. Additionally, his sister, Brittany Maners, serves as the girls basketball coach at Jasper. Derek himself was a star quarterback for the 2009 state championship team at Warren Central.
The Jasper Wildcats have not had a losing season since 1989, but they are striving for more after finishing 6-5 last season and losing in the sectional semifinal to Reitz. Hart’s predecessor, Tony Lewis, announced his retirement in November after leading the team to 41 wins over six seasons.
As Hart takes the reins, fans and players alike are eager to see how he can guide the Wildcats back to glory and pursue their first postseason title since 2013.
