THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT 
              Copyright (c) 1997, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: Tuesday, February 18, 1997            TAG: 9702180480
SECTION: LOCAL                   PAGE: B1   EDITION: NORTH CAROLINA 
SOURCE: BY CATHERINE KOZAK, STAFF WRITER 
DATELINE: MANTEO                            LENGTH:   39 lines

PROVIDE FOOTBALL AS RECREATION, ADULTS URGE DARE OFFICIALS

Dare County youngsters need recreational football, contend the sport's adult advocates who attended Monday's Dare County Board of Commissioners meeting.

A few of them were old-timers who played in their youth without the benefit of equipment.

``You're sitting on hallowed ground,'' Jerry Cahoon told the board. ``When I was 10, 11, 12, this was our football field. I only wish we had had supervision, equipment and some kind of organization. I believe if I had equipment and proper teaching, I would've learned how to tackle.''

In asking for $35,000 in seed money, native Dare County resident Moncie ``Punk'' Daniels gave a persuasive presentation to the board, saying there is ``vigorous interest'' from residents to include youth football as part of their recreation program choices. Many people feel kids have a lot to gain by playing football, he added.

``Can you imagine what level Mac Midgett would have obtained had he been able to play football?'' Daniels said, grinning at the commissioner he has known since his youth.

Daniels said nearly 60 sponsors in the business community expressed their support of the program, which the Youth Football Committee estimated will cost $5,860 to equip a 30-member team; and a total of $35,160 for six teams.

``It is my belief that football is truly America's game,'' Daniels said in a written statement. ``I strongly urge you to render your support to this most worthwhile program. It will be a boon to consolidating the communities of Dare County, and it will greatly enhance the mental, emotional, and social development of our young people.''

The board was receptive, but said it wants the proposal sent through the Parks and Recreation Department before the board is asked to approve any expenditures.

``I think we can raise a lot of money,'' Daniels said. ``It may be that we may never have to come back for another dollar.''