ALBANY, N.Y. - According to multiple sources, The Courier has learned that the University of Northern Iowa will drop its varsity baseball program after the 2009 season because of budget concerns in the athletic department.

Director of athletics Troy Dannen told the Courier this evening that he has a meeting "early Monday" with baseball coach Rick Heller and the team, but wouldn't confirm or deny the sport is being dropped.

"I have a meeting on Monday with Coach Heller and the squad," said Dannen, who is traveling with the UNI men's basketball team this weekend for its game at Siena Saturday. "Officially, that's as far as I can go."

However, a university source - who didn't want to be idenitified - told The Courier that the program will be discontinued.

UNI's baseball team is opening its 2009 season this weekend with a four-game series at Arkansas-Little Rock. Heller wasn't available for comment.

Asked how it difficult it is for UNI to run its athletic department with the current economic climate and the school's problems with gender equity, Dannen said: "As a university, there are some monumental financial challenges ahead for the next fiscal year.

"Obviously, with our department receiving funding from the university, a lot of those challenges will be passed on to us."

Heller is in his 10th season as UNI's baseball coach. The Upper Iowa University alum has a 247-253 all-time record, claimed one Missouri Valley Conference title, coached in one NCAA Tournament and produced league MVPs Adam Boeve and Brandon Douglas.

UNI would be the second Division I school in the state to drop baseball this decade. Iowa State ended its program after the 2001 season.

Contact Matt Coss at (319) 291-1468 or matt.coss@wcfcourier.com