Local HBCU looking to revive football team after almost 80 years

WILBERFORCE — A local historically black college and university in Greene County is looking to bring football back to campus.

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In a few weeks, Wilberforce University administration will get the results of a study that will determine if it is feasible to bring back the football program.

“1947 was our last active year of football at this university. There have been several attempts to look at football. University was small, but now we’re serious about it,” Van Newkirk, president of Wilberforce University, said.

Newkirk said he wants to hear from students, alumni, and the community.

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“We want to raise $500,000, and I think that’s quite doable here at this university. We want to be able to pay for all our equipment needs, to actually look at putting up part of our stadium,” he said.

Newkirk already has an idea in mind as to where the 5,000-seat stadium could go.

“We believe that’s the perfect location. The scoreboard and everything’s there, so we’re waiting to actually put all these pieces together,” he said.

So far, the study has found that 70 percent of the student body wants a football team.

Some are even willing to pay higher tuition.

“I’ll do whatever to play football again,” Deon Coulter, a sophomore, said.

The Bull Dogs have revived a program after a nearly 80-year hiatus before.

The university revived the marching band program a few years ago.

Now it’s time for football.

Results of the feasibility study are expected in mid-October.

Then, fundraising efforts will begin.

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