GRAND FORKS, N.D. ? University of North Dakota Athletic Director Tom Buning said today that UND Head Baseball Coach Kelvin Ziegler has accepted a position as an event manager at Ralph Engelstad Arena.
Buning said that Ziegler, who spent 14 years as UND's head baseball coach and won more games (326) than any coach in the UND baseball program's history, would resign his coaching position to make the move.
Although leaving coaching, Ziegler will still be working closely with the athletic department in his new position at Ralph Engelstad Arena, said Buning.
“On one hand, we are sorry to lose a truly dedicated and successful baseball coach, and he'll leave large shoes to fill,” Buning said. “On the other hand, we're excited that Kelvin will help us ensure that our sporting events at the Ralph and Betty are a success for our fans, student-athletes and coaches.”
Ziegler will begin his duties at Ralph Engelstad Arena on July 9. As an REA event manager, Ziegler will work with facility clients to plan and manage all aspects of their events, including University of North Dakota athletic events, according to REA General Manager Jody Hodgson.
“Kelvin will be a great addition to the Ralph Engelstad Arena team, and as such, he'll also continue to be a valued member of the UND athletics enterprise,” Hodgson said. “It's an absolute win-win situation for the arena and the athletic department.”
Ziegler became UND's head baseball coach prior to the 1994 season. He had a career record of 326-251-2 (.565) in 14 seasons. Only Harold “Pinky” Kraft, who was UND's head baseball coach for 26 years, spent more years coaching the Fighting Sioux than Ziegler.
Ziegler posted nine 20-win seasons at UND and led the Sioux to an NCAA tournament appearance in 2004, a year in which UND finished 37-18 overall and 20-8 in the North Central Conference. The 2004 Fighting Sioux finished first in the NCC regular season standings and third at the conference tournament. Ziegler was named 2004 NCC coach of the year.
Under Ziegler, UND finished second in the NCC standings twice and made two NCC tournament championship game appearances (1995, 1998). His 1998 and 2004 teams share the school record for most victories (37) in a season.
During Ziegler's tenure at UND, 38 players received All-NCC honors, six earned all-region honors and former Sioux pitcher J.J. Scheving was named a third team ABCA/Rawlings Division II All-American in 2004. Twelve of Ziegler's former players went on to play professional baseball after their college careers.
Ziegler's teams also did well academically, with 26 players earning NCC All-Academic honors and seven garnering academic all-district honors.
A native of Minot, N.D., Ziegler spent three seasons as an assistant baseball coach at UND prior to becoming the head coach. He was an assistant for the 1993 UND team that won the NCAA Central Regional title and earned a berth in the NCAA Division II World Series.
Buning said steps to name a new coach for the coming season would begin immediately.
Kelvin Ziegler's Head Coaching Record at UND
Year Overall NCC NCC Reg. Season Finish Final NCC Finish
1994 22-17 4-8 4th (North Division) 4th (no NCC tourn.)
1995 25-15 9-6 2nd (North Division) 2nd at NCC tourn.
1996 22-13 5-7 3rd (North Division) 3rd (no NCC tourn.)
1997 10-7-1 0-0 DID NOT PLAY NCC SEASON AS RESULT OF FLOOD
1998 37-15 15-8 2nd 2nd at NCC tourn.
1999 24-19-1 8-12 8th 8th (DNQ for NCC tourn.)
2000 21-25 6-14 9th 9th (DNQ for NCC tourn.)
2001 18-19 9-9 3rd 4th at NCC tourn.
2002 18-19 7-12 9th 9th (DNQ for NCC tourn.)
2003 29-14 12-10 5th 5th (DNQ for NCC tourn.)
2004 37-18* 20-8 1st 3rd at NCC tourn.
2005 28-23 14-15 4th 3rd at NCC tourn.
2006 13-28 4-15 tie-5th tie-5th at NCC tourn.
2007 19-19 7-13 3rd tie-5th at NCC tourn.
TOTAL 326-251-2 120-146
(.565) (.451)
* Qualified for NCAA Central Regional at Warrensburg, Mo.
