In brief: Titans select Bartlett as coach

Prep football: This coaching thing apparently is in the genes for Robert Bartlett III.

Bartlett, 33, will be a third-generation head football next year. Bartlett, who goes by Rob to distinguish himself from his father and grandfather, has been named coach at his alma mater, University. He replaces Bill Diedrick, who retired after three seasons.

Bartlett’s grandfather coached at Lewis and Clark and his father coached at U-Hi.

“It’s a dream,” Bartlett said. “It’s what I’ve always wanted to do. I can’t think of a better place to do that than at U-Hi.”

Bartlett spent the last three years as Diedrick’s defensive coordinator. Before that he was an assistant for three years under ex-U-Hi coach Mike Ganey and three years at East Valley.

“He’s been a Titan his whole life,” U-Hi activities director Ken Van Sickle said. “He grew up as a young boy watching his father coach, learning football since he could walk. He has prepared his entire life for this job. He’s done everything he can do to prepare himself to be a great head coach.”

A 1997 U-Hi graduate, Bartlett started at quarterback his senior year under Ganey. Bartlett is switching from defensive coordinator to coordinate the offense. He plans to implement a spread attack.

Bartlett, who teaches two periods of history and is U-Hi’s dean of students, is married and has a 15-month-old son.

Bartlett applied for the coaching position when Diedrick was hired.

“I feel honored to have coached with him for three years,” Bartlett said. “I’m going to lean on him for questions that I have. He’s a great leader and a great man.”

Greg Lee

Hulett returns for sixth season

Baseball: Tim Hulett will return as Spokane Indians manager for a sixth season, the Northwest League team announced.

Hulett, the longest-tenured manager in Indians history, has a record of 199-180 in five seasons.

“I look forward to returning to Spokane for another great season,” Hulett said. “The fans, the ballpark and the organization are all first class and provide the best environment for winning in the NWL.”

New to Hulett’s staff will be pitching coach Ryan O’Malley, hitting coach Oscar Bernard, coach Vinny Lopez and trainer Sean Fields.

Spokane will open its season June 15 at home against Vancouver.