CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (KCRG) – Mount Mercy in Cedar Rapids is adding a football program, Athletics Director Paul Gavin announced during a media event Friday morning.

Gavin said the university’s goal is to begin competition by Fall of 2026.

You can watch the event here:

A national search for a head coach is expected to begin immediately.

“I know we’re in the thick of football season right now, but the sooner we can find the right person for this role, the sooner we’ll be able to bring new student-athletes into our program,” Gavin said.

University President Todd Olson said they expect the football program to help with enrollment growth.

He also said the university is looking into adding a marching band and other organizations and initiatives to help engage students.

The university added that the football program has been a long time coming after the opening of the $16 million Robert W. Plaster Athletic Complex in 2017.

“At the time we finished Plaster Athletic Complex, our Board of Trustees said that the answer to football was ‘no, for now,’” said Mount Mercy Athletic Director Paul Gavin. “It’s exciting that the time for football is finally here, and we can begin building another popular program for our Mustang community.”

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