By ROBERT L. LEE

HAMMOND – After weeks of speculation and gathering responses from the surrounding community, Southeastern Louisiana University officials hired ex University of Kentucky head coach Hal Mumme Friday.

Although infamous for being forced to resign from Kentucky directly after the 2000 season because of NCAA recruiting violations, SLU President Randy Moffett said Mumme’s name recognition should be exactly what the football team needs to help it re-emerge from a 17-year hibernation.

Moffett claimed having Mumme head the renewed team would quickly create excitement among fans and players, and provide a first step to a successful program.

The University of Louisiana System Board of Supervisors approved his hiring as head coach Friday morning, which led to the announcement at Southeastern’s Alumni Center. Louisiana State Rep. Henry Powell was among a host of supporters on hand to welcome him to Louisiana and SLU.

Remembering the reasons for Mumme’s dismissal and factoring in the public’s possible reaction, State Sen. John Hainkel R-New Orleans, and selection committee member Gino Marino maintained Mumme was the wrong choice at the Lions’ first head coach.

In an attempt to dispel further such claims, Mumme argued that he managed his Kentucky football team by the rule books and was never penalized for any recruiting violations.

SLU Athletic Director Frank Pergolizzi added the Lions’ football program will be watched over, just as closely as all other Lions’ programs.

Mumme began his first day as Lions’ head coach Monday, July 1, and began a list of what needs to be done to have the team up, running and passing for their first game August 30, 2003. The Lions will charge onto the field as an independent team for two years, then join the Southland Football League in 2005. As of his hiring, Mumme said he was happy about having 13 months to compile a team of coaches and that he will have enough time to properly recruit a lineup of players.

Mumme’s contract starts him at a base $75,000 salary until 2006 and includes an incentive clause for attendance, which pays him 10 percent of ticket revenue if the school earns more than $100,000 each season.