Exactly 40 years ago, Norse basketball was born in Newport's 'Cats Den.
HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, Ky. - Saturday marks the 40th anniversary of the first-ever basketball game in Northern Kentucky University history.
On Nov. 12, 1971, then-Northern Kentucky State College met Calvary (Ky.) College at the old Newport High School 'Cats Den on Columbia Street. At that time, Northern Kentucky State had no gym and was forced to play home games at local high schools.
An on-campus facility, Regents Hall, would not be ready until the 1972-73 basketball season. In the meantime, Northern Kentucky State played a 1971-72 schedule that featured Calvary (twice), Wabash, Steubenville and Point Park.
How much have things changed in 40 years? A week ago, NKU played at Big East powerhouse West Virginia, and the Norse pulled off a stunning 77-74 win over the Mountaineers. On Saturday, NKU celebrates its 40th year by playing in The Bank of Kentucky Center, a 9,400-seat arena.
That is quite a change from 40 years ago. Inside Newport High School's then-renowned 'Cats Den, Northern Kentucky State met Calvary at 8 p.m. on Nov. 12, 1971. The Norsemen, coached by Mote Hils, posted a 109-65 win in their inaugural game.
On Saturday, NKU will host UC-Clermont at 1:30 p.m., exactly 40 years later.
Click on the link below to read the story that was printed in The Kentucky Post on Nov. 13, 1971, the day after Northern Kentucky State's first-ever basketball game against Calvary (Ky.).
KENTUCKY POST STORY FROM NOV. 13, 1971
