College football will soon return to Caldwell. College of Idaho officials announced Monday they’ll reinstate a team to begin conference play in the Fall of 2014. The private liberal arts school hopes football will bring it more attention.
The College of Idaho disbanded Yotes football in the late seventies. School President Marv Henberg and Athletics Director Marty Holly made the restart announcement Monday. Holly says football gives the college more visibility. "We’re really, really a great institution on many, many fronts. If football helps the rest of the world know that, then it’s a win-win."
Holly estimates start-up costs for the program will run $4 million, with operating costs about $500,000 a year. The Yotes hope to compete as a football-only member in the Frontier Conference of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics. Frontier Commissioner Kent Paulson says College of Idaho officials will meet with them next month about a possible invitation. "From this chair, we are delighted to have a school of their stature consider us as a conference in which they would like to join."
Paulson says the College of Idaho would be the 9th football-playing team in its conference if it joins. It would also be the only small college in Idaho with a football program.
Copyright 2012 Boise State Public Radio