Northridge in Rearview Mirror

They were teammates at San Fernando Valley State College. Pete Cassidy played center field and Bob Hiegert was the shortstop. The year was 1960.

That was how it began for two men who, over the next four decades, would become synonymous with athletics on the campus now called Cal State Northridge.

Not long after their playing days ended, Hiegert and Cassidy took jobs as assistant coaches at the school.

“Bob lived right around the corner from me,” Cassidy recalled. “We were raising families and didn’t have much money. Our excitement was playing canasta and bridge.”

Cassidy became head basketball coach in 1972 and held that position for 25 years. Hiegert ran the baseball program for 18 years, then served as athletic director for 17 more.

But just as their careers at Northridge had begun and progressed together, so would they end together.

In the summer of 1995, Hiegert was forced to resign after numerous clashes with a new administration.

Eight months later, Cassidy’s contract was not renewed.

The moves were considered highly controversial inside and outside the university.

“It was a shame,” Hiegert said.

Recently, the men spoke of memories, emotions and life beyond Northridge.