Gradyn Hartlaub, Riverton High School’s senior quarterback and three‑sport athlete, has become the face of a Hawks program eager to rebound after a season forfeiture.
Coach Colton Piper calls him the toughest kid he has ever coached, praising Hartlaub’s relentless effort, maturity and willingness to study film late into the night.
A Legacy of Leadership
Born into a family steeped in Riverton sports, Hartlaub’s grandfather Don Hartlaub and father Brian Hartlaub were both inducted into the Riverton Hall of Fame, a heritage that fuels his drive to honor their legacy on the gridiron.
His chemistry with top receivers Ethan Giberson, Tyler Meyer and Cole Howard, forged since freshman year, has turned a potent passing attack into a reliable weapon for the Hawks.
Meyer notes Hartlaub’s transformation from a mobile runner to a polished passer, a shift reflected in his junior statistics of 87 completions for 1,063 yards, six touchdowns and seven interceptions.
On the ground, Hartlaub added 536 rushing yards and seven rushing scores, showcasing his dual‑threat capability.
Defensively, he patrols free safety, tallying 57 tackles, including 25 solo, and bringing a hard‑hitting presence to the secondary.
Beyond the Gridiron
Outside football, Hartlaub balances basketball as a point guard on his father’s team and excels in track and field, finishing fourth in the Class 1A pole vault in 2024 and eyeing state qualification in the 110‑ and 300‑hurdles next spring.
The Illinois High School Association’s recent expansion of its postseason from 256 to 384 teams has widened the Hawks’ path to advancement, a development Hartlaub embraces as a chance to showcase his team’s growth.
With the season’s challenges behind him, Hartlaub remains focused on elevating his understanding of game strategy, a pursuit that has already elevated his leadership and maturity.
As the Hawks aim for their first winning season since 2009, Hartlaub’s blend of athletic prowess, academic diligence and family pride positions him as a cornerstone for Riverton’s future successes.