University of Minnesota Athletics
Minnesota Baseball Administrative Assistant Dianne Ficenko Dies in Car Crash
1/8/2005 12:00:00 AM | Athletics
"We are deeply saddened and stunned by the tragedy involving Dianne Ficenko and her husband Bill," said Minnesota Director of Athletics Joel Maturi. "Dianne was a loved member of the Golden Gopher athletic department family for more than 20 years and her loss will deeply impact our student-athletes, coaches and staff. The thoughts and prayers of the entire athletic department go to Dianne, Bill and their family."
Dianne began working at the University of Minnesota on Aug. 3, 1981. She was one of the longest tenured employees for the University of Minnesota athletic department. Dianne worked with the University of Minnesota baseball program for the past 24 years as the administrative assistant.
She also served as the administrative assistant for Women's Golf and for the Tech Services department, and helped coordinate many events for the Wheel Club.
Along with the Wheel Club Events, she also played a major part in the organization of the baseball program's signature events, the Pro-Alumni game and the Dairy Queen Classic.
Dianne helped organize and successfully coordinate the Pro-Alumni Game, in which Gopher alumni compete against current players, for the past 13 years. She also played a major role in coordinating the Dairy Queen Classic, which is one of the most successful college baseball tournaments in the nation, for the past 20 years.
"The Gopher baseball family suffered a tremendous loss on Friday," said Minnesota Head Baseball Coach John Anderson. "Dianne was a huge part of the family that we have in our program. She was here throughout my entire career as a head coach, and she built so many relationships with players, coaches, boosters and everyone else she came in contact with. She was the front piece of our entire program. There is a huge void in the baseball family with the passing of Dianne. She was part of our spirit, and she reflected that spirit with the relationships she had with so many people. Our thoughts and prayers go to Dianne, Bill and their family."
Services for Dianne have yet to be determined.
