Matt Collins - Head Football Coach

Coach Collins is in his 5th season as the Head Football Coach at Hartnell College. 
He has had recent success bringing the Panthers to a share of the Coast Conference Championship in 2009 by finishing 4-1 in conference play.  The offense had some solid performances throughout the 2009 season and eventually finished as the 22nd ranked unit out of 71 programs in the State.  This was a huge improvement from the prior season where they finished ranked 68th.  In 2010 the panthers finished 2-3 in conference and 2-8 overall.  There were some very close losses last season, including the final 2 games being decided on the last snap.  4 games last year were decided by 7 or less points.   There seems to be a good chemistry with the 2011 class, as Coach Collins is eager to begin non conference play.   The Panthers had 11 players sign scholarships in 2010, including All-American LB Kiero Small, signing with the Arkansas Razorbacks.

It is well known that Hartnell College has had many successful years of athletics, and in particular the football program is well known for its winning tradition.  “It is an honor to hold the position of head football coach at a school whose reputation of success is known throughout the country.  At this time, the football program has seen tremendous improvements in a variety of areas.  The facilities have been improved with the installation of natural grass, equipment has been purchased through fundraising efforts and there is an overall improved attitude of work ethic and commitment is becoming infectious.  With the support of our athletic director, Danny Teresa, a solid group of coaches and support staff, we will continue to develop our student athletes into productive members of our community”.

“It is our mission to mold our student athletes into responsible individuals and assist them to achieve a college education.  Life is full of obstacles and adversities, and the game of football is full of similar challenges.  As a coach, I have an opportunity to impress upon our players the importance of overcoming challenges they may be faced with while balancing their education, athletics, and other outside obstacles in everyday life”.

“We intend to prepare each week in efforts to beat our opponents.  Through hard work and discipline our players will be up for the challenge. Thank you for supporting Hartnell Football and we look forward to seeing YOU………….Saturday nights at “The Pit”.