THE SIDELINES : New Coach at Northern Arizona

Northern Arizona today announced the appointment of Steve Axman as the Big Sky Conference school’s new head football coach.

Axman, offensive coordinator and quarterback coach at Maryland, served in those positions at Arizona from 1980 to 1985.

He was one of six finalists chosen from about 75 candidates for the Lumberjack job vacated by Larry Kentera, who stepped down at the end of this year’s season. Axman was the only finalist interviewed.

Axman planned to meet later today with the team. He said his priorities would be to assemble a staff and establish a strong recruiting base in Arizona.