The University of Northern Iowa is dropping the sport of baseball. Athletic Director Troy Dannen calls it a "sad day for the University of Nothern Iowa" as he confirms the school will drop baseball after this season.
Dannen says the 9% reduction in state funding will leave a projected gap of between $500,000 and $600,000 in the athletic department budget. The school is dropping baseball and eliminating the three fulltime coaches to try and make up the gap.
The decision impacts 35 athletes who will be able to transfer without losing any eligibility. The cutting of baseball leaves the school with 17 sports, 10 for women and 7 for men.
The move leaves only the University of Iowa with a baseball program at the state’s three major universities. Iowa State dropped its baseball program for financial reasons in 2001.
AUDIO: Elwin Huffman reports on UNI cutting baseball. :59 MP3.