Gibbons hires Barta as coach from Coral Springs

Cardinal Gibbons announced that it hired Devin Barta, formerly of Coral Springs, to coach its boys basketball team.

“It’s a tremendous opportunity,” Barta said. “It’s just going to give me a really great platform to give students and players to the next level based on the great academic school and obviously with a really great athletic history.”

Barta compiled a 96-41 record over the past five seasons with the Colts, including a Class 8A state championship in 2016 and four district titles.

“Try to pick up and build a culture like we did at Coral Springs, which is based on hard work and building a family atmosphere,” Barta said. “I’m probably going to ask them to work harder than they ever have before. A lot of kids think that they work hard, but my definition of hard is a little different.”

The hiring comes after longtime Chiefs coach Marty Seidlin stepped down on March 16. Seidlin had amassed a record of 191-71 in 10 seasons at the school.

“We are very excited to have Coach Barta joining our staff,” Gibbons athletic director Michael Morrill said in a statement. “He is a proven winner; his energy and love for the game of basketball is contagious.”

While looking forward to the opportunity at Cardinal Gibbons, it was not easy for Barta to leave Coral Springs behind.

“[It was an] extremely tough decision,” said Barta, who is a Coral Springs alum. “I love the players that are currently there. I love the past alumni. It was not easy. It’s been a tough past couple of days to make this decision… some tear-filled goodbyes.”

The Chiefs finished 13-9 last season and missed regional playoffs for the third consecutive season after winning the Class 5A state title in 2015. They currently compete in District 13-5A, along with reigning state champ University School and 2017 title-winner Calvary Christian.