24 Hawkeyes to Watch
IOWA CITY – The University of Iowa baseball team has announced its fall schedule, which includes three home games at Banks Field.
“The opportunity to play in the fall arose because we are now playing three game series’ in the Big Ten Conference,” Head Coach Jack Dahm said. “The NCAA allows us to play 56 games total during the year and we have decided to play three this fall, which will not count against our record but it will count against our allowable games.”
The Hawkeyes open with an intrastate contest against Iowa Central Sept. 26 at 6 p.m. The following Friday the Black and Gold will host Iowa Western Oct. 3 at 6 p.m. These are believed to be the first ever contest between both schools.
“We are very excited to be playing three games this fall against some very talented programs,” Dahm said. “Iowa Western and Iowa Central are two of the most talented junior college programs in the country. Add in the opportunity to play the University of Nebraska and we hope to have a good idea where our team is at by the end of fall.”
Iowa Central has qualified for seven NJCAA II World Series’ since 1996, which is the school where pitching recruit Zach Robertson and outfielder Ryan Durant played prior to signing with Iowa. Iowa Western had an outstanding 2008 season going 54-12 and having set the school record for wins.
To finish up the fall schedule, Iowa will host the Nebraska Huskers Friday Oct. 17 at 6 p.m. The Hawkeyes were to play Nebraska April 8th this past spring, however due to inclement weather the game was canceled.
The Huskers ended their 2008 campaign with a 41-16-1 record having lost in the regional game against Oral Roberts.
“These games will give our fans an opportunity to come out and watch us,” Dahm said. “Can you think of a better way to spend your Friday October 17th than watching baseball against Nebraska and then the football team battle the University of Wisconsin on Saturday?”
