The first team photo in Norse history, the 1971-72 NKSC squad.
Photo gallery of 1971-72 team reunion in 2008
HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, Ky. – A special tribute will be paid to the members of Northern Kentucky University's first varsity team Thursday night at halftime of the men's game against Indianapolis.
NKU will recognize the 1971-72 men's basketball squad, which was the first varsity team in school history. On Nov. 12, 1971, then-Northern Kentucky State College tipped off competition in a high school gym. Inside Newport High School's 'Cats Den, Northern Kentucky State met Calvary College, and the Norsemen, coached by Mote Hils, posted a 109-65 win in their inaugural game.
Earlier this season on Nov. 12, 40 years to the exact day of that first win over Calvary, NKU met UC-Clermont and posted a 106-58 victory in The Bank of Kentucky Center. In 40 years, the basketball program went from no home floor to a 9,400-seat facility that is considered one of the best in the nation.
The 1971-72 NKSC team members laid the foundation for what has become a program of national prominence. NKU owns three national championships and numerous regional titles. The athletics program will reclassify to Division I next season and join the Atlantic Sun Conference.
Call 572-5962 for more information. Tickets are available for Thursday's game, which is scheduled to tip off at 7:30 p.m.
SATURDAY IS TAKE A KID TO THE GAME DAY: On Saturday, NKU will hold the Take a Kid to the Game promotion when it hosts Saint Joseph's in an afternoon doubleheader. The women's game start at 1 p.m., followed by the men at 3 p.m.
Adults can print out this voucher (click here
PDF /
JPG ) that will allow free admission for children under the age of 12 this Saturday. There will be free Jumping Jack's Inflatables, a stuffed Victor E. Viking toy giveaway and a mascot basketball game at halftime of the men's contest.
Call 572-5962 for more information.
