Dennis Schultz (1996) - Hall of Fame

Dennis Schultz

Induction:
1996
Class:
1974

Between 1970 and 1974, Dennis Schultz ran his way into UNI track and field history. The two-time all-American is considered by many to be the greatest distance runner to ever don a Panther uniform.

Although he also competed in cross country, he is most renowned for his success in the 880 and 1000 yard runs. After setting school records for the indoor 1000 yard and mile runs his sophomore year, the Manchester, Iowa, native came back his junior year to solidify his claim as one of the greatest of his era. He was the No. 3 point winner for the Panthers in the combined indoor/outdoor seasons - a key reason why UNI won both of those championships at the conference meets. At the Meet of Champions, running against some of the top half milers in the Midwest, he won again in a then school-record time of 1:51.3. At the North Central Conference indoor meet, he was named "Outstanding Performer" after winning both the 880 and 1000 yard runs, setting a school record at the time in the latter. To cap off his storybook season, he finished fourth in the NCAA College Division mile run. No surprise, his time of 4.08.1 set a school record at the time. His efforts earned him the first of two all-America honors.

His career wasn't over yet, in 1974 Schultz came back as a senior to win the NCAA Division II mile championship. He also repeated as champion in the 880 and 1000 yard runs at the conference indoor meet. He ended his career as an All-American for the second time. Although he finished his collegiate career at UNI, he continued to compete at the Drake Relays, placing in the top four in the Master's 800 meters three times - 1992, 1993, and 1996.