It is a great time to be a Panther. The U-N-I athletic department has enjoyed a run of success that will continue this Friday night when the football team plays Appalachian State in the championship game of the 1-AA national playoffs. The men’s basketball team has played in two straight NCAA Tournaments and is off to another great start to this season.
Athletic director Rick Hartzell says there’s excitement around U-N-I athletics like there’s never been. Hartzell says he’s always thought that a good season by the volleyball and football team is a rising tide that lifts everyone. The team left for Chattanooga last night and there was a sendoff at the Waterloo airport and Hartzell says a reception for the team is set for this weekend after the Panther basketball game against Florida A@M.
Hartzell says they’ll sell tickets for half price to the basketball game and then hold the celebration afterwards. Hartzell says it’s the only time they can really do the celebration.