BY DARRELL S. PRESSLEY
The Cincinnati Enquirer

NKU football helmet unveiled Wednesday. [ ZOOM ]

With Wednesday's unveiling of a shiny, black and gold helmet bearing a white Norse logo, a football program at Northern Kentucky University could be as close as two years away.

After huddling to finalize a 50-page report, an 11-member football study committee announced its endorsement for a Division II, non-scholarship program with 100 players.

With approval from the NKU Board of Regents, a head coach could be hired in the spring of 1997 and the first season could begin in the fall of 1998.

''This report details substantial reasons why Northern Kentucky University would find it in its interest to have a Division II football program,'' said Bill Erpenbeck, prominent developer and chairman of the committee. ''It can be a positive and lasting identification with the university.''

Erpenbeck said the football program would cost about $308,000 - much lower than the $1 million projected in a similar study done several years ago.

The money would be used for the salaries of about eight coaches and to purchase football equipment, office supplies and cover other costs. Money would come through fund-raising and a student fee, which has not been set for the athletic program.

Interim president Jack Moreland will forward the report to the NKU Board of Regents to review at its next meeting Nov. 20. But a final decision is not expected until after the university holds a public forum, which has yet to be set.

He said he hopes the lower $308,000 figure will gain more support from the community for football this time around. ''I think they want us to move forward with this program, and the numbers really help us to justify us going forward.''

The report details what facilities will be needed to start the football program. Plans include regrading the current soccer field for a combination soccer/football facility with bleachers, and building a women's softball field, which would address sports equity.

Erpenbeck said he and a developer could move dirt for construction of the various fields for free.

A football program would bring attention to the university, increase student enrollment and improve school spirit, Erpenbeck said.

Last year, NKU's men's basketball team finished as NCAA Division II national runner-up. This year, off to a 3-0 start, the Norse are ranked No. 2 in the national coaches' poll.

While there is tremendous excitement on campus during basketball season, as soon as the season is over, there is nothing else to look forward to, Erpenbeck said.

''I think students are excited about having football at NKU,'' said Chris Saunders, student regent.

The football program will bring more people to the campus, which will also help bring more support for the men's basketball team, Saunders said.

Published Nov. 14, 1996.