Heller Receives Harold "Pinky" Primrose Award

Hawkeye Fan Shop — A Black & Gold Store | 24 Hawkeyes to Watch 2016-17 | Hawk Talk Monthly — Jan. 2017

IOWA CITY, Iowa — University of Iowa head baseball coach Rick Heller received the Harold “Pinky” Primrose Award on Jan. 21 at the Iowa High School Baseball Coaches Association awards banquet. 

Other than the Hall of Fame, the Pinky Primrose Award is the highest honor presented within the IHSBCA.  The distinction can be presented to anyone who played high school baseball in the state of Iowa who went on in his career to distinguish himself in his community, district, state, or national level.
 
Heller played prep baseball at Cardinal High School in Eldon, Iowa, before starring at Upper Iowa University.  He was a four-year letterwinner in baseball and basketball, and three-year football letterwinner. Heller began his coaching career as a high school coach before taking over at his alma mater in 1987.
 
It began a 29-year run where Heller has been a college head coach at Upper Iowa, Northern Iowa, Indiana State, and University of Iowa.  He has led each institution to NCAA postseason play, including all three Division I schools. 
 
Heller is entering his 30th season as head coach, where he has 791 victories, including 101 at the University of Iowa. He is one of two Iowa head coaches to lead the Hawkeyes to the NCAA Tournament.