Editor's Note: First-Class Underdogs, a five-part series on the final 10 years of the Northern Iowa baseball program, was originally published in the Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier in June 2024.
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Rick Hartzell addresses the media after being named as the sixth Director of Athletics at Northern Iowa in August 1999.
Rick Hartzell addresses the media after being named as the sixth Director of Athletics at Northern Iowa in August 1999.
Rick Hartzell addresses the media after being named as the sixth Director of Athletics at Northern Iowa in August 1999.
Alexandra Auker and Holly VanHofwegan put on some of the defense that allowed UNI to sweep Creighton in 1999.
Rick Hartzell addresses the media after being named as the sixth Director of Athletics at Northern Iowa in August 1999.
Scott Allen of the Creighton Bluejays scrambles back to first base with Ryan Brunner attempting to take him out.
Rick Hartzell addresses the media after being named as the sixth Director of Athletics at Northern Iowa in August 1999.
Illinois State's Kyle Kohlberg gets tagged at third by UNI's Aaron McEachran in the first game of a doubleheader Saturday.
UNI's Travis Welsch tries a bunt during the first game of a doubleheader against Southern Illinois Saturday.
Ben Schroeder runs a gauntlet of congratulations after hitting his first career home run.
Vince Serafini is out on second base during the first game of a double header on Saturday. UNI's Travis Welsch throws the ball to first, trying to get a second out.
Larry Torgerson watches the UNI baseball game almost alone Tuesday afternoon at the Riverfront Stadium in Waterloo. UNI hosted St. Ambrose. Very few fans ventured out on this sunny but cold day.
New UNI Head Baseball Coach Rick Heller answers questions at a press conference where he was formally announced to the public on Monday, September 13, 1999
New UNI Head Baseball Coach Rick Heller answers questions at a press conference where he was formally announced to the public on Monday, September 13, 1999
Photos: UNI Baseball from 2000-09
2000
Scott Allen of the Creighton Bluejays scrambles back to first base with Ryan Brunner attempting to take him out.
Larry Torgerson watches the UNI baseball game almost alone Tuesday afternoon at the Riverfront Stadium in Waterloo. UNI hosted St. Ambrose. Very few fans ventured out on this sunny but cold day.
Vince Serafini is out on second base during the first game of a double header on Saturday. UNI's Travis Welsch throws the ball to first, trying to get a second out.
Illinois State's Kyle Kohlberg gets tagged at third by UNI's Aaron McEachran in the first game of a doubleheader Saturday.
UNI's Travis Welsch tries a bunt during the first game of a doubleheader against Southern Illinois Saturday.
Ben Schroeder runs a gauntlet of congratulations after hitting his first career home run.
2001
UNI's Aaron McEachran dives into second base during a stolen base attempt after running into Indiana State shortstop #16 shortstop Auggie Casson. The ball popped out of the defenders grasp, and the UNI runner was safe.
UNI's Willie Durazo is tagged out trying to advance to second on a ground ball to Indiana State #6 second baseman Caleb Reger as shortstop #16 Auggie Casson covers the bag for a possible force out if the tagged would have missed.
UNI catcher Willie Durazo grabs a throw from the outfied and tries to tag tandem ISU runners #35 Ryan Wickham and #6 Michael Wilcox as they safely scored on a 4th-inning triple by #16 Adam Christ to put ISU ahead, 6-0 at Riverfront Stadium Tuesday evening.
UNI's Marty Sutherland holds up the ball to show the base umpire that he has it, but Wichita State #31 Brandon Green was called safe at second base in the fifth inning.
UNI's Andrew Buckley (1) beats the throw to second base as Wichita State #32 Shawn Smarsh awaits the throw from home in the sixth inning.
UNI's Ryan Brunner watches as his 16th home run of the season and second of the game heads over the right-center field fence Wednesday evening during UNI's contest with Iowa at Riverfront Stadium. This home run tied the UNI single season record.
UNI's Ryan Brunner round third base in the first inning Thursday night with his record setting home run as he gets congratulations from head coach Rick Heller.
UNI's Marty Sutherland (2) turns the double play on Grandview's Tony Hoaglund (24) during Thursday night's game at Riverfront Stadium.
2001 NCAA Regional (Lincoln, Nebraska)
Nebraska's Will Bolt dives safely across home plate as Northern Iowa catcher Willie Durazo is late with the tag during their first round NCAA regional game in Lincoln on Friday May 25, 2001.
Nebraska's Jeff Leise slides in safely to second base as Northern Iowa's Travis Welsch fields the ball during their first round NCAA regional game in Lincoln on Friday May 25, 2001.
Aerial photograph of Buck Beltzer Stadium as the University of Nebraska Huskers play Northern Iowa in the NCAA Baseball tournament on Friday May 25, 2001 in Lincoln, Neb.
Aerial photograph of Buck Beltzer Stadium as the University of Nebraska Huskers play Northern Iowa in the NCAA Baseball tournament on Friday May 25, 2001 in Lincoln, Neb.
2002
UNI second baseman Marty Sutherland takes out Southwest Missouri State #7 Jeremy Isenhower on a force at second base in the inning of the second game Saturday.
Creighton's Tim Gradoville dives safely back into first base in front of the tag from UNI first baseman # 2 Gary Lane in the 4th inning Sunday.
UNI's Gary Lane, right, is congratulated at home plate by teammate Sean LaCoste, left, after Lane hit a 4th-inning home run Sunday in UNI's game with Creighton.
UNI's Willie Jones, right, dives safely intro third in front of the tag from Minnesota third baseman Ben Pattee, left, in the third inning where UNI scored 5 runs to go ahead, 9-2.
UNI's Josh Habel pitching against Minnesota Wednesday night.
2003
UNI's Tyson Hanish, right, dives safely into third base on a double steal in the 4th inning of the first game Sunday as Wichita State third baseman Cody Clark, right, reaches for the ball.
UNI's catcher Nate Trumm, left, stops Wichita State Cody Clark, right, at the plate as the runner tried to score from third base on a flyout of a foul ball along the third baseline in the 5th inning of the first game Sunday afternoon.
2004
2005
UNI's Pat Moran scores on a wild pitch as Wichita pitcher Matt Brown is smacked to the ground during the bottom of the 4th inning.
Wichita's Chad Muich is congratulated after his solo homer in the top of the third inning.
2006
2007
UNI's Jordan Kraayenbrink slides into second in front of the tag from Loras' Patrick Reilly during UNI's home opener.
UNI's Boone Bugger reacts with Curt Bradley after scoring during UNI's home opener Thursday, March 21, 2007 in Waterloo, Iowa.
UNI pitcher Chad Epperson winds up during UNI's home opener against Loras.
Third base coach Rick Heller waves in Eric Hoffmann.
UNI's Travis Hendrix (17), at left, lunges for the ball as Wichita State's Conor Gillaspie (34) slides into second base safe in the top of the sixth inning Friday evening at Riverfront Stadium in Waterloo, IA. Wichita State lead 3-0 in the sixth inning.
Wichita State's Andy Dirks (9) celebrates his run in the seventh inning with Bret Bascue Sunday, May 6, 2007 in Waterloo, Iowa.
Northern Iowa's Travis Hendrix, left, losses control of the ball as Wichita State's Bret Bascue slides safely into second in the eight inning Sunday, May 6, 2007 in Waterloo, Iowa.
2008
UW-Platteville's Brett Benesh, left, dives back to first base safely as UNI's Brett Featherston looks to catch the ball Wednesday, Mar. 26, 2008 in Waterloo, Iowa.
UNI's Brett Featherston drops the ball for an error in top of the 4th inning against UW-Platteville Wednesday, Mar. 26, 2008 in Waterloo, Iowa.
UNI's Ross Bennett delivers a pitch in the 4th inning against UW-Platteville Wednesday, Mar. 26, 2008 in Waterloo, Iowa.
UNI's Nick Kirk tosses a pitch during a game between Northern Iowa and Evansville at Riverfront Stadium Friday, March 28, 2008 in Waterloo, Iowa.
UNI's Travis Hendrix, right, slides under Evansville's Shawn Kuester's tag during a game between Northern Iowa and Evansville at Riverfront Stadium Friday, March 28, 2008 in Waterloo, Iowa.
Evansville's Alex Acheson dives for a ball hit off the bat of UNI's Travis Hendrix during a game between Northern Iowa and Evansville at Riverfront Stadium Friday, March 28, 2008 in Waterloo, Iowa. Acheson couldn't come up with the catch as the play resulted in a double for Hendrix.
UNI's Brandon Douglas grimaces as he bobles a ball during a game between Northern Iowa and Evansville at Riverfront Stadium Friday, March 28, 2008 in Waterloo, Iowa.
UNI's Travis Hendrix, left, looks for the safe call as Evansville's Shawn Kuester shows the umpire the his glove during a game between Northern Iowa and Evansville at Riverfront Stadium Friday, March 28, 2008 in Waterloo, Iowa. Hendrix was called safe on the play.
Northern Iowa's Chris Lopez (35), right, celebrates his home run with teammate Brandon Douglas (23) in the first inning in a game against Grand View Wednesday, April 2, 2008 at Riverfront Stadium in Waterloo, Iowa.
Grand View's Chris Cutler(15), top, attempts to turn a double play after forcing out Northern Iowa's Eddie Almonte(5) at second base in the fourth inning Wednesday, April 2, 2008 at Riverfront Stadium in Waterloo, Iowa.
University of Northern Iowa's #23 Brandon Douglas and #25 Bret Featherston make an out at second base against Illinois State University's #29 Kevin Tokarski Sunday afternoon at ISU's Duffy Bass Field.
University of Northern Iowa's catcher #5 Eddie Almonte talks to pitcher Mike O'Leary during the game against Illinois State University at ISU's Duffy Bass Field on Sunday, April 13, 2008.
University of Northern Iowa's #35 Chris Lopez slides safely into second as Illinois State University's #38 Ronnie Calvird tries to make the out during the game against Illinois State University at ISU's Duffy Bass Field on Sunday, April 13, 2008.
UNI's Brett Featherston connects for a solo home run during a game between UNI and Minnesota Wednesday, April 16, 2008 at Riverfront Stadium in Waterloo, Iowa.
UNI's Dane Embury dives back to first as Minnesota's Tom Steidl connects for a solo home run during a game between UNI and Minnesota Wednesday, April 16, 2008 at Riverfront Stadium in Waterloo, Iowa.
UNI's Chris Lopez runs into the wall going for a fly ball during a game between UNI and Minnesota Wednesday, April 16, 2008 at Riverfront Stadium in Waterloo, Iowa.
UNI's Brett Featherston, middle, plucks the ball out of the dirt to make the out on Minnesota's Corvin Kieger, left, as UNI pitcher Tim Flattery, right, look on during a game between UNI and Minnesota Wednesday, April 16, 2008 at Riverfront Stadium in Waterloo, Iowa.
UNI's Brandon Douglas, right, drops a ball, that UNI's Cory Ege, grabs while touching second for the force out on Creighton's Nick Nordgren, not pictured, during the top of the fourth inning of a game between UNI and Creighton at Riverfront Stadium Saturday, April 19, 2008 in Waterloo, Iowa.
UNI's Brandon Douglas, middle, drops a ball, that UNI's Cory Ege, left, grabs while touching second for the force out on Creighton's Nick Nordgren, right, during the top of the fourth inning of a game between UNI and Creighton at Riverfront Stadium Saturday, April 19, 2008 in Waterloo, Iowa.
UNI's Brandon Douglas, right, drops a ball, that UNI's Cory Ege, left back, grabs while touching second for the force out on Creighton's Nick Nordgren, left front, during the top of the fourth inning of a game between UNI and Creighton at Riverfront Stadium Saturday, April 19, 2008 in Waterloo, Iowa.
UNI's Cory Ege, right, shows he had control of the ball getting the force out on Creighton's Nick Nordgren, left, during the top of the fourth inning of a game between UNI and Creighton at Riverfront Stadium Saturday, April 19, 2008 in Waterloo, Iowa.
UNI mens baseball team celebrate after holding off the Creighton Bluejays rally in the ninth inning at Sundays game at Riverfront Stadium in Waterloo. The final score for the Panthers was nine to seven.
UNI's Brett Featherston, left, comes up with the ball to get Creighton's Vincente Cafaro, right, out at first.
UNI's Nick Kirk pitching against Creighton on April 20, 2008 at Riverfront Stadium in Waterloo.
UNI's Brandon Douglas gets a close look of his bunt during the game against Iowa at Riverfront Stadium in Waterloo on Wednesday April 23, 2008. Iowa won the game five to two.
UNI's Chris Lopez, right, slides into second base as Iowa's Caleb Curry's, left, tag is late. Iowa would win the game Wednesday game in Waterloo five to two.
Iowa's Justin Toole gets UNI's Travis Hendrix out at second and throws to first for the double play. Iowa would win Wednesdays game in Waterloo five to two.
First base umpire Tom Suehla throws Southern Illinois first base coach Greg Andrews, right, out of the game as he argues an interference call after the top of the fifth inning of game two of a double header between UNI and Southern Illinois Saturday Apr 26, 2008 at Riverfront Stadium in Waterloo, IA. Southern Illinois Aaron Roberts collided with UNI's Cory Ege at second base preventing him from turning the double play.
UNI's Cory Ege collides with Southern Illinois Aaron Roberts during the top of the fifth inning of game two of a double header between UNI and Southern Illinois Saturday Apr 26, 2008 at Riverfront Stadium in Waterloo, IA. Roberts was called for interference which ended the inning.
UNI's Brandon Douglas reaches for a line drive up the middle during a game between UNI and Southern Illinois Saturday Apr 26, 2008 at Riverfront Stadium in Waterloo, IA.
UNI's Nick Kirk pitches during a game between UNI and Southern Illinois Saturday Apr 26, 2008 at Riverfront Stadium in Waterloo, IA.
2009
Zach Zirbel, one of the UNI Baseball team captains, talks with reporters after it was officially announced that the UNI baseball program will end after this season. He is pictured at the McLeod Center on the University of Northern Iowa campus in Cedar Falls Monday, Feb., 23, 2009.
University of Northern Iowa Head Baseball Coach Rick Heller speaks at a press conference where the university announced it was dropping the baseball program after this season at the McLeod Center on the University of Northern Iowa campus in Cedar Falls Monday, Feb., 23, 2009.
University of Northern Iowa Athletic director Troy Dannen emotionally talks to reporters at a press conference where he explained the decision to drop the baseball program at the university after this season. He is pictured at the McLeod Center on the University of Northern Iowa campus in Cedar Falls Monday, Feb., 23, 2009.
Members of the UNI baseball team watch a press conference where the university announced officially the end of the baseball program after this season. It was held at the McLeod Center on the University of Northern Iowa campus in Cedar Falls Monday, Feb., 23, 2009.
Members of the UNI baseball team talk with Head coach Rick Heller in the hallway after a press conference where the university announced the end of the baseball program at the university. It was held at at the McLeod Center on the University of Northern Iowa campus in Cedar Falls Monday, Feb., 23, 2009.
Members of the University of northern Iowa baseball team watch a press conference where the university announced officially the end of the baseball program after this season. It was held at the McLeod Center on the University of Northern Iowa campus in Cedar Falls Monday, Feb., 23, 2009.
UNI #1 Gabe Schultz leaps for a throw from the outfield as illinois State #41 Evan Kohli slides in with a double as UNI played Illinois State at Riverfront Stadium in Waterloo Saturday, April, 18, 2009.
UNI #2 Cory Ege throws to first base as Illinois State #33 Quinn Ewert is forced out on the front end of a double play as UNI played Illinois State at Riverfront Stadium in Waterloo Saturday, April, 18, 2009.
UNI #22 leaps against the right field wall for a ball (next to is left arm) hit by Illinois State #5 Tyler McNeely in the third inning as UNI played Illinois State at Riverfront Stadium in Waterloo Saturday, April, 18, 2009.
UNI #28 Andy Steichen takes a throw at third base as Illinois State #5 Tyler McNeely advances from second on an infield ground out as UNI played Illinois State at Riverfront Stadium in Waterloo Saturday, April, 18, 2009.
Illinois State #11 Andy Ruffolo is met at home plate after a home run in the fifth inning as UNI played Illinois State at Riverfront Stadium in Waterloo Saturday, April, 18, 2009.
UNI #5 catcher Jeff Taliaferro bats as UNI played Illinois State at Riverfront Stadium in Waterloo Saturday, April, 18, 2009.
UNI #5 catcher Jeff Taliaferro reacts to a bunt attempt by Illinois State #27 Matt Mirabal as UNI played Illinois State at Riverfront Stadium in Waterloo Saturday, April, 18, 2009.
Northern Iowa's Grant Grgurich, left, slides into second base past North Dakota's diving infielder, Josh Nelson, right, during the first game of the double header at Riverfront Stadium in Waterloo on May 9, 2009. UNI would win the game 7-6.
Northern Iowa's Cory Ege, left, tags second base getting North Dakota's Ryne Jungling, right, out before throwing to first base for the double play during the first game of the double header at Riverfront Stadium in Waterloo on May 9, 2009. UNI beat North Dakota in the first game 7-6.
Northern Iowa's Levi Ferguson slides to make the catch in center field during the first game of the double header against North Dakota's at Riverfront Stadium in Waterloo on May 9, 2009. UNI beat North Dakota in the first game 6-7.
Final Game (May 16, 2009)
Northern Iowa's Jeff Taliaferro, right, jumps in celebration on teammate Jason Summers after he hit a single in the ninth inning to advance the loaded bases for a 3-2 win over Bradley in the Panthers final game Saturday, May 16, 2009 at Riverfront Stadium in Waterloo, Iowa.
The Northern Iowa baseball team swarms Jason Summers, center, after he hit a single in the ninth inning to advance the loaded bases for a 3-2 win over Bradley in the Panthers final game Saturday, May 16, 2009 at Riverfront Stadium in Waterloo, Iowa.
The Northern Iowa baseball team warms up with a game of two balls before the game against Bradley in the Panthers final game Saturday, May 16, 2009 at Riverfront Stadium in Waterloo, Iowa.
Northern Iowa coach Rick Heller, left, shares a moment with senior Brett Douglas, right, after a 3-2 win over Bradley in the panthers final game Saturday, May 16, 2009 at Riverfront Stadium in Waterloo, Iowa.
Northern Iowa coach Rick Heller watches his last game of the Northern Iowa Panthers Baseball team Saturday, May 16, 2009 at Riverfront Stadium in Waterloo, Iowa.
The Northern Iowa's Kalvin Johnson, left is tagged out by Bradley's Kevin Sullivan, right, in the Panthers final game Saturday, May 16, 2009 at Riverfront Stadium in Waterloo, Iowa. Northern Iowa won 3-2.
Northern Iowa's Jeff Taliaferro, right, congratulates Levi Ferguson, left, on his run to give the Panthers a 3-2 win over Bradley in the Panthers final game Saturday, May 16, 2009 at Riverfront Stadium in Waterloo, Iowa.
Northern Iowa takes the field in the last game of the Northern Iowa Panthers Baseball team Saturday, May 16, 2009 at Riverfront Stadium in Waterloo, Iowa.
Northern Iowa coach Rick Heller laughs before the last game of the Northern Iowa Panthers Baseball team Saturday, May 16, 2009 at Riverfront Stadium in Waterloo, Iowa.
Northern Iowa's Travis Bennett, right, slides safely into second base as Bradley's Matt Fritz, left, misses the catch in the Panthers final game Saturday, May 16, 2009 at Riverfront Stadium in Waterloo, Iowa. Northern Iowa won 3-2.
Northern Iowa's Grant Grugrich slaps hands down the line before the last game of the Northern Iowa Panthers Baseball team Saturday, May 16, 2009 at Riverfront Stadium in Waterloo, Iowa.
Northern Iowa coach Rick Heller, left, instructs Cory Ege, right, at third base during the last game of the Northern Iowa Panthers Baseball team Saturday, May 16, 2009 at Riverfront Stadium in Waterloo, Iowa.
Northern Iowa's Zach Zirbel hurls a pitch in the last game of the Northern Iowa Panthers Baseball team Saturday, May 16, 2009 at Riverfront Stadium in Waterloo, Iowa.
Northern Iowa's Zach Zirbel hurls a pitch in the last game of the Northern Iowa Panthers Baseball team Saturday, May 16, 2009 at Riverfront Stadium in Waterloo, Iowa.
Northern Iowa's Zach Zirbel hurls a pitch in the last game of the Northern Iowa Panthers Baseball team Saturday, May 16, 2009 at Riverfront Stadium in Waterloo, Iowa.
Northern Iowa's Gabe Schultz, left, loosens up Zach Zirbel, right, before the last game of the Northern Iowa Panthers Baseball team Saturday, May 16, 2009 at Riverfront Stadium in Waterloo, Iowa.
The Northern Iowa baseball team warms up with a game of two balls before the game against Bradley in the Panthers final game Saturday, May 16, 2009 at Riverfront Stadium in Waterloo, Iowa.
Northern Iowa's Brett Douglas dives unsuccessfully for a ball in right field in the Panthers final game Saturday, May 16, 2009 at Riverfront Stadium in Waterloo, Iowa.
Northern Iowa coach Rick Heller watches his last game of the Northern Iowa Panthers Baseball team Saturday, May 16, 2009 at Riverfront Stadium in Waterloo, Iowa.
The Northern Iowa Panthers final game Saturday, May 16, 2009 at Riverfront Stadium in Waterloo, Iowa.
The Northern Iowa Panthers final game Saturday, May 16, 2009 at Riverfront Stadium in Waterloo, Iowa.
The Northern Iowa Panthers final game Saturday, May 16, 2009 at Riverfront Stadium in Waterloo, Iowa.
Northern Iowa coach Rick Heller enters the dug out in the last game of the Northern Iowa Panthers Baseball team Saturday, May 16, 2009 at Riverfront Stadium in Waterloo, Iowa.
The Northern Iowa Panthers final game Saturday, May 16, 2009 at Riverfront Stadium in Waterloo, Iowa.
The Northern Iowa Panthers final game Saturday, May 16, 2009 at Riverfront Stadium in Waterloo, Iowa.
The Northern Iowa Panthers final game Saturday, May 16, 2009 at Riverfront Stadium in Waterloo, Iowa.
The Northern Iowa Panthers final game Saturday, May 16, 2009 at Riverfront Stadium in Waterloo, Iowa.
Heller
Hartzell
