First-year NIU skipper Ed Mathey will begin his reign as Huskie baseball coach this weekend on the road versus Louisville, which set a school record with 39 wins a year ago.

Friday and Saturday both will be doubleheaders, with the first game starting at 12 p.m.

Mathey replaces former NIU coach Dave Schrage, who left to take the head job at the University of Evansville.

Taking the mound for NIU in Game 1 will be senior lefty Mark Skrukrud, who was voted to have the best control in the conference. He will be followed in Game 2 by junior Zach Minor. Junior right-hander Jim Caine will go on Saturday, as will Joe Piekarz, a transfer from North Central.

“I’m anxious to see these guys in game action,” Mathey said. “We’ve had some good intrasquad games. If we play like I think we’re capable of, then I like our chances.”

NIU will be led by returning senior starter Dan Urban, who hit .340 a year ago with 34 RBIs.

Junior third baseman Rob Marconi, who led the team with a .357 batting average and was second in RBIs, also will be looked upon to produce.

Infielder Greg Larsen thinks the team will succeed this season because of the optimistic attitude it possesses.

“We’re all pretty positive this year,” Larsen said. “We’re gonna go out and just have fun. It’s still a game.”

So far this season, NIU has practiced at the Student Recreation Center and the White Sox Training Center in Lisle. Mathey said that getting a chance to play outdoors this weekend will be great.

“We’re looking to win some ballgames and get going on the right track,” Mathey said. “Louisville is a fine opening opponent. We just need to go out and execute the game well.”