April 24, 2008

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Georgetown University Athletics Director Bernard Muir announced today that the Hoya football team will open its 2008 season with the first of a four-game series against District of Columbia rival Howard University. The Hoyas and the Bison will kick off the 2008 season at Howard on September 6.

The series between Georgetown and Howard will mark the first time in program history that the Hoyas will play the Bison.

"We're thrilled to announce the start of a series with Howard University," Muir said. It's a natural fit for these two D.C. institutions to meet in competition. We're looking forward to beginning the series."

"I have seen both schools play over the years and as a Washingtonian, I always wondered why we we're not playing each other," said Dwight Datcher, who came to Howard two years ago after serving as associate AD at Georgetown. "It is a plus for both institutions because it will involve students, alumni and faculty."

Georgetown plays in the Football Championship Subdivision level (formerly Division I-AA) out of the Patriot League, while Howard is a member of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference.

"Our players and our staff are very excited about the opportunity to play Howard," Georgetown Head Coach Kevin Kelly said. "This will be a tremendous challenge for our team, but it is a series that can be very good for college athletics in the District."

"We're very excited about this game," Howard Coach Carey Bailey said. "This is something that is long overdue. It makes sense to have the game since we are the only two Division 1 football playing schools in Washington. These are two outstanding academic institutions and this match-up will bring together alumni, students and fans."

Kelly is beginning his third year at helm of the Georgetown program. He came to the Hilltop after four years as the special teams coordinator/linebackers coach at the United States Naval Academy, where he helped lead the Midshipmen to three bowl games and a 26-11 record from 2003-05.

Bailey is in his second season at the helm of the Howard program, joining the Bison after serving as the defensive line coach at the University of Minnesota.