June 10, 2004

Winston-Salem, N.C. - Wake Forest University and Elon University officials have agreed to meet in football in the fall of 2005. The Demon Deacons will host the Phoenix at Groves Stadium on Sept. 10, 2005.

Wake Forest and Elon have not met on the gridiron since 1939. The Deacons hold the all-time series lead 8-0-1.

"We are very pleased to have Elon as part of our football schedule for the first time in more than 60 years," Wake Forest athletic director Ron Wellman said. "It just makes sense for Wake Forest to play a local team and provide both fan bases an opportunity to see what could develop into a very good rivalry."

"We are very pleased that our first venture against a Division I-A opponent will be against such a prestigious institution," said Elon director of athletics Dr. Alan White.

The game completes Wake Forest's non-conference schedule for the 2005 campaign. Wake Forest is also scheduled to bring East Carolina and Vanderbilt to Groves Stadium.

The Deacons had originally planned to travel to Boston College as a non-conference game. After the Atlantic Coast Conference expanded, however, the schedule opening became available.