Kickoff for Kalamazoo's homecoming game will be 1 p.m.

The game will be broadcast on WHTC-AM (1450) and WFUR-FM (102.9). It will also be broadcast on the internet (www.hope.edu).

Coach Dean Kreps' Dutchmen concluded the 1999 season with an MIAA title clinching victory over Kalamazoo. Now in their 2000 league opener the Dutchmen carry a three-game winning streak against a Hornet team that after losing its first two games of the season has won the last two.

When Hope plays Kalamazoo it is known as the "Wooden Shoes Rivalry." The coach of the winning team gains possession of a pair of hand-carved wooden shoes until the next meeting of the teams.

This will be the 80th renewal of a series that started in 1910. It is Hope's oldest active rivalry. Hope holds a 39-34-6 advantage in the series. The Flying Dutchmen have won 20 of the last 24 games between the teams, including a 44-28 victory in 1999.

The Flying Dutchmen haven't played since September 30th while Kalamazoo is coming off its longest road trip in school history, a 23-19 at Colorado College last Saturday.

Last week Hope was ranked seventh in the nation among NCAA Division III teams in rushing defense. Opponents are averaging just 51.3 yards per game on the ground. Kalamazoo will enter the game with the second best rushing average among MIAA teams at 150.3 ypg. Last Saturday the Hornets gained 191 yards rushing against Colorado.

Hope was also ranked nationally in turnover margin ratio with an advantage of 2.25 turnovers per game. The Dutchmen have recovered 20 opponent turnovers (7 fumbles and 13 interceptions) while losing 11 turnovers (6 fumbles, 5 interceptions). Kalamazoo, meanwhile, has lost 13 turnovers in four games while losing 12.

The Flying Dutchmen will play their first home game in nearly a month on Saturday, Oct. 21 against Alma.

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