The RJ Hartman Leadership Award

Hello. My name is Carl Ehrlich. RJ Hartman -- for whom this award is named -- was a friend of mine. He was also a coach and a mentor and an educator here at Flag Star … but my staff and I remember him first as a good person and a great friend.

He was a friend (and a coach) gone too soon. On April 12th, 2021, RJ led what might be the greatest comeback in Flag Star Football history.  The game -- a Week 1 match-up with his 4th-5th grade Cavaliers -- had an almost impossible number of extra point conversions and recovered onside kicks as the Cavs made up a 21-point second-half deficit. The team photo (below) was taken to commemorate the game. 

The next day, RJ passed away. In his immediate wake, we felt confusion and heartache and disbelief. We gathered to talk and process and support one another and -- helped by time and tears -- we got to the more productive question: ‘how do we keep him with us?’ 

The ‘RJ Hartman Leadership Award’ 

The Hartman Leadership Award is a financial award for a coach who gives his best, often while facing his own personal adversity. It’s for a person who throws themselves into the “work” and builds a positive, supportive place for kids to play; and does so while overcoming hardship in his own life.

All of us come to the field from entirely different lives. These different lives, at different times, face tremendous and disproportionate challenges. The winner of this award is someone who didn’t ask for a challenge, but someone who battled and contributed to his community in the midst of it. 

And the award goes to someone we love. To know RJ was to love him; the winner of this award should also trade and share in the currencies of love, positivity and good-natured community building.

award recipients

2024 - Gahlia Gwangwaa, Ryan Barnes

Congratulations to two stalwarts in the Flag Star community and deserving recipients of the RJ Hartman Leadership Award. Both Ryan and Gahlia have demonstrated their dedication, integrity and commitment to inspiring the next generation of leaders both on and off the field.

We commend them for continuing to be champions of empowerment despite the personal difficulties they’ve experienced this year. Congratulations Ryan and Gahlia!

2023 - Theron Cooper, De’Shaun Marshall-Dyson

2023's Hartman Leadership Award recipients couldn't be a more deserving pair. To have been on a field (or anywhere near) a field with 'Coop' or De'Shaun is know and feel (and hear!) their passion for their craft. 

Despite everything the past year through their way, these two continually show up, and give back to the kids and staff in this tribe. Congrats, fellas.

2022 - Jamal Richardson

At a quiet but cheerful lunch this past January, with an empty chair left for RJ, the Hartmans and I were honored to recognize Jamal Richardson as our 2022 recipient. Jamal is a wonderful leader and a wonderful person, and we can only hope he benefits from this award.

To Contribute to this Award…

You can make a tax-free contribution to the Flag Star Football Foundation, with the specific note that the funds be designated to the ‘Hartman Leadership Award.’ You can make that contribution on-line (by clicking here) or by sending a check to 7620 15th Ave. Takoma Park, MD 20912. Please make the contribution payable to the ‘Flag Star Football Foundation’ with a special note for: The Hartman Leadership Award.

THANKS TO EVERYONE INVOLVED for helping honor and carry forward the legacy of a truly special person, leader and youth advocate.