Averett will follow the Dixie Conference trend and add football starting in the 2000 season.

"The addition of our new 70-acre athletic complex gives us the opportunity to expand our athletic program," said school president Frank Campbell. "Football is growing in popularity in our conference and will be a positive addition to Averett athletics." Plans for the addition of a football field are being prepared with an anticipated project completion date of 2001.

Averett will begin a nationwide search for a head football coach this summer and is seeking an alternate stadium for the team to compete in in its first season. Shenandoah will also begin competition in 2000.