When NIU men’s soccer’s starting goalie Steve Goletz went down Sept. 10, backup Brent Hartman was there for the Huskies.

In the three games Hartman started, he has a 3-0 record, giving up only two goals. His save percentage of .842 puts him on top of the MAC conference.

Northern Star: What were your thoughts when the starting goalkeeper Steve Goletz went down and you were put in to replace him?

Brent Hartman: I didn’t know if he was just going to bounce back or not. You never like to see a teammate get hurt. But it was actually kinda scary because you don’t want your teammate to be hurt.

NS: How did you prepare for your first start against Wright State?

BH: The same way I prepared for all the other games that I’ve played or started in. It’s always basically the same whether I’m starting or not.

NS: Do you have any pre-game rituals or superstitions?

BH: Usually the night before a game, I take a really long shower just to relax because I used to get really antsy before a game and I’d screw up at the beginning.

NS: How is playing DI soccer at NIU different compared to a community college?

BH: Well, the conference that we played in back in community college was one of the best in the nation. The last three national championships have been won by the team that beat us. So we would have a tough game against them. The difference here is that all the teams we play are tough.

NS: What made you decide to come to NIU?

BH: For me, it was an opportunity to play Division I soccer when most teams wouldn’t look at me because I’m a short goaltender. It’s a good fit, and I really like it.

NS: What do you do in your free time?

BH: When we don’t have practice, I like to sleep and do homework and play other sports.

NS: What is your favorite sport other than soccer?

BH: I love being in the water. I used to be a lifeguard, so anything like swimming or scuba diving, I love. Also, I’m glad college football is back on because I love watching that.

NS: You lived in Arizona before you started at NIU. What’s the biggest difference between Arizona and here?

BH: The biggest difference is how green it is here. We’ve got cactus and sand down there. I’m excited for autumn because everything turns colors here.