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UNI Athletics Director Rick Hartzell will resign effective Feb. 1.
COURIER FILE PHOTO
COURIER FILE PHOTO
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UPDATED: Hartzell resigns as UNI AD
By DOUG NEWHOFF, Courier Sports Editor
CEDAR FALLS --- For 8 1/2 years, Rick Hartzell was able to solve most of the issues that arose in the University of Northern Iowa athletic department.
However, he couldn't resolve his own differences with the university's top administrators, and today the university announced Hartzell's resignation as director of athletics, effective Jan. 31.
"This ultimately was my decision," said Hartzell, a Klemme native and 1974 UNI graduate who was hired in August, 1999 to replace Chris Ritrievi. "The president (Benjamin Allen) said, 'I don't want you to resign.'
"There was no pressure to go. But from my standpoint, all the signs I was looking for that would make me feel like a valued member of the university's administration were simply not there."
Hartzell has been the architect of unparalleled growth in UNI athletics, from new facilities like the McLeod Center and Human Performance Center to academic excellence and unrivaled competitive achievements.
"Our goal will be to find someone who can build on the foundation Rick has laid," said Tom Schellhardt, UNI's vice president for administration and finance. "UNI athletics is at a much higher level of success than when Rick arrived almost nine years ago, and we want someone to continue that success."
Schellhardt said an interim AD will take over Feb. 1 while the university conducts a nationwide search for a replacement.
Hartzell's resignation sent shock waves through UNI's athletic department. He hired all but two of the head coaches currently on staff.
"When you're at a school like this, your colleagues turn into friends," said Chris Bucknam, UNI's track and field and cross country head coach. "That's what makes this school so great to work at, but that's also what makes it really tough when something like this happens."
Iowa State men's basketball coach Greg McDermott, who led UNI to three NCAA tournaments after being hired by Hartzell in 2001, said the Panthers have two big shoes to fill.
"In my opinion, it's just hard to find someone who is as passionate about that place as Rick was because it means a great deal to him --- both the athletic department and the institution as a whole."
Hartzell said it's been a difficult few weeks since he made his decision.
"It hurts me," he said. "I've got two degrees at UNI. I played here (baseball and football). This is the job I always dreamed of.
"To be able to sit in the same chair as Stan Sheriff and Bob Bowlsby (previous UNI ADs) has been extraordinarily important, and at the same time humbling."
Hartzell, 56, said he has no immediate plans.
"I'm considering my future career options, but Jill (his wife), Jackson (his 1-year-old son) and I look forward to making the Cedar Valley our home for the long term."
Contact Doug Newhoff at (319) 291-1467 or doug.newhoff@wcfcourier.com
However, he couldn't resolve his own differences with the university's top administrators, and today the university announced Hartzell's resignation as director of athletics, effective Jan. 31.
"This ultimately was my decision," said Hartzell, a Klemme native and 1974 UNI graduate who was hired in August, 1999 to replace Chris Ritrievi. "The president (Benjamin Allen) said, 'I don't want you to resign.'
"There was no pressure to go. But from my standpoint, all the signs I was looking for that would make me feel like a valued member of the university's administration were simply not there."
Hartzell has been the architect of unparalleled growth in UNI athletics, from new facilities like the McLeod Center and Human Performance Center to academic excellence and unrivaled competitive achievements.
"Our goal will be to find someone who can build on the foundation Rick has laid," said Tom Schellhardt, UNI's vice president for administration and finance. "UNI athletics is at a much higher level of success than when Rick arrived almost nine years ago, and we want someone to continue that success."
Schellhardt said an interim AD will take over Feb. 1 while the university conducts a nationwide search for a replacement.
Hartzell's resignation sent shock waves through UNI's athletic department. He hired all but two of the head coaches currently on staff.
"When you're at a school like this, your colleagues turn into friends," said Chris Bucknam, UNI's track and field and cross country head coach. "That's what makes this school so great to work at, but that's also what makes it really tough when something like this happens."
Iowa State men's basketball coach Greg McDermott, who led UNI to three NCAA tournaments after being hired by Hartzell in 2001, said the Panthers have two big shoes to fill.
"In my opinion, it's just hard to find someone who is as passionate about that place as Rick was because it means a great deal to him --- both the athletic department and the institution as a whole."
Hartzell said it's been a difficult few weeks since he made his decision.
"It hurts me," he said. "I've got two degrees at UNI. I played here (baseball and football). This is the job I always dreamed of.
"To be able to sit in the same chair as Stan Sheriff and Bob Bowlsby (previous UNI ADs) has been extraordinarily important, and at the same time humbling."
Hartzell, 56, said he has no immediate plans.
"I'm considering my future career options, but Jill (his wife), Jackson (his 1-year-old son) and I look forward to making the Cedar Valley our home for the long term."
Contact Doug Newhoff at (319) 291-1467 or doug.newhoff@wcfcourier.com
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Reader54 wrote on Jan 18, 2008 8:45 AM:
" UNI is a GREAT school, they will have no problems getting an excellent person in a very short time. "
scott wrote on Jan 18, 2008 9:25 AM:
" Rick is not even CLOSE to the best AD in the nation. It is a very good day for UNI. Maybe UNI can get someone in here who can show respect to those who built the programs and to those who attend the games. His attitude will not be missed in the UNI athletic department. "
hello wrote on Jan 18, 2008 11:49 AM:
" Scott you are dead wrong. Look at the success UNI athletics have had during the past 8 years. Show respect for those who built the programs? He was the one who built a lot of the programs.
Football: #1 in the nation
Men's Basketball: 3 straight NCAA tourneys
Womens Basketball: Post season play 3 times
Track & Field: Ranked top 10 in the nation several different tiimes
I could go on and on about what Rick has done for the all the athletic programs.
"
Football: #1 in the nation
Men's Basketball: 3 straight NCAA tourneys
Womens Basketball: Post season play 3 times
Track & Field: Ranked top 10 in the nation several different tiimes
I could go on and on about what Rick has done for the all the athletic programs.
"
wcf reader wrote on Jan 18, 2008 11:52 AM:
" scott, what the heck are you talking about? show respect for those who built the program? who would those people be? he clearly is not out of line of wanting what he wants. big blow to uni, best of luck to him. "
cf1981 wrote on Jan 18, 2008 11:53 AM:
" Football #1 in the nation? Guess you haven't been following the news ... UNI didn't make it to the championship game this year. "
KC wrote on Jan 18, 2008 12:07 PM:
" "I could go on and on about what Rick has done for the all the athletic programs."
you mean, all the athletic programs he cares about....some are still woefully underfunded.. "
you mean, all the athletic programs he cares about....some are still woefully underfunded.. "
scott wrote on Jan 18, 2008 12:09 PM:
" ...He is not the only reason that UNI has had success on the field. Anyone who thinks so is not seeing the whole picture.
I am glad they finally got him to leave. "
I am glad they finally got him to leave. "
panther7 wrote on Jan 18, 2008 12:21 PM:
" Rick has done alot for all of the sports programs that's for sure. His idea of remodeling the West Gym for the wrestling team will help that program in the future. "
wcf reader wrote on Jan 18, 2008 2:32 PM:
" scott, you state some facts of why he is bad. he isn't necessarily directly responsible for each teams success, however he is responsible for having the staff, support and facilities to make them competitive, and in the category he did wonders. mcleod center is all you have to say.... "
wlooian wrote on Jan 18, 2008 3:24 PM:
" To "Scott", Is it a safe assumption that you will not be attending Mr. Hartzell's farewell banquet? Lighten up a little, he deserves some credit for the success of UNI's athletics under his reign, but yes the sun will still come up tomorrow and another AD will be hired. Time will tell if the powers to be made the correct decision. "
PantherFan wrote on Jan 19, 2008 2:10 AM:
" Mr. Hartzell will be missed, but, the tradition of success at UNI will move on with somebody else at the helm. I'm sure there are a lot of quality/qualified people that are eager to jump into his place.
It was obvious that Rick Hartzell was emotionally invested in this job, and that is why I wish him nothing but the best...wherever he lands. "
It was obvious that Rick Hartzell was emotionally invested in this job, and that is why I wish him nothing but the best...wherever he lands. "
TOSHIBA wrote on Jan 19, 2008 9:09 AM:
" I'M VERY DISAPPOINTED. I'M CONFUSED. MAYBE I DIDN'T KNOW OR UNDERSTAND ALL THAT WAS GOING ON. BUT THE REMARKS OF THE COACHES SAWS ALL I NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE SITUATION. THIS GUY WAS THE BEST WE'VE HAD SINCE STAN SHERIFF. AND I'M SORRY TO SEE HIM GO. "
scoot wrote on Jan 19, 2008 4:40 PM:
" With the money at stake with the athletic department I would want to report directly to the President as well. UNI will wish they gave him a bit of what he wanted when they start losing games and revenue. "
shouldbemayor wrote on Jan 19, 2008 4:43 PM:
" He was a very good AD for UNI. I always thought it was strange that every other job he tried for, he did not get. Usually he was one of the first eliminated. UNI will continue to grow. I don't think anyone over there is hitting the panic button. There will be many qualified candidates, but let me start the crusade right now. Tony DiCecco for UNI ATHLETIC DIRECTOR!!! "
hetfield wrote on Jan 21, 2008 11:32 AM:
" Scott, it sound like you had some personal problem with him. Maybe he ref'ed your kids game or something, idk.
anyways UNI continues to churn out top ADs(see Bowlsby) and Hartzell is a great loss. Pity UNI couldnt have worked harder to keep him.
Go panthers! "
anyways UNI continues to churn out top ADs(see Bowlsby) and Hartzell is a great loss. Pity UNI couldnt have worked harder to keep him.
Go panthers! "
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trrunalot wrote on Jan 18, 2008 7:49 AM: