POUGHKEEPSIE, New York – The Marist University Athletics Department is mourning the loss of William "Brink" Hartman, who passed away on April 4 at the age of 55.
A 1992 Marist graduate, Brink was a decorated member of the men's swimming & diving program. He held records in the 500 free, 1000 free, 1650 free, 200 back, 200 IM, 400 IM, 400 medley relay, 400 free relay, and 800 free relay. He was named Marist's Sportsperson of the Year and served as team captain as a senior.
Brink was a key part of Marist's first conference championship in men's swimming & diving, as the Red Foxes won the Metropolitan Conference in 1990. He was part of a foundational recruiting class that established the program's championship tradition.
Beyond his accomplishments in the pool, Brink was regarded as a standout leader and competitor. He was highly regarded as a teammate, someone who respectfully pushed others to be the best version of themselves while being modest about his own accomplishments.
Following graduation, Brink worked in customer care and claims with Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield (Anthem) for 28 years. He was a devoted family man who was married to his wife, Tami, and had two children, Maggie and Andrew. Maggie graduated from Marist in 2025, and she was a four-year member of the swimming & diving program.
"The Hartman family has been a part of the Red Fox Swimming & Diving community for over 35 years," said Larry VanWagner, who served as Marist's Director of Swimming from 1976-2021. "The long winning tradition of the men's team began with the addition of Brink Hartman and company in 1989. It was their first undefeated season that led to their first conference championship the following year. At the time, Brink would hold six individual school records and three relay school records. He was a gentle giant whose impact on Marist swimming history and our lives will never be forgotten."
Following graduation, Brink stayed on with the Marist Swim Club, and he competed in US Swimming Nationals in Mission Viejo, California. VanWagner was steadfast in putting together the best 400 medley relay team he could find, with Brink filling the backstroke role. One of Brink's teammates was Kyle O'Neil, an incoming freshman who has remained at Marist as an assistant coach since graduation. Bonds were formed, and a Swim Club record was shattered at the event.
"I can confidently say it will never be broken again," O'Neil said.
O'Neil was part of the Marist staff that coached Maggie Hartman in her four years as a Red Fox, a time in which Brink's support was always evident.
"It was great that his daughter came to Marist, and that Marist remained special to him," O'Neil said. "I know Marist held a special place in his heart."
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 11 at 11 a.m. at St. Peter's Episcopal Church, 107 State Street, Albany, NY 12207.
