Excitation functions were measured by the stacked-foil technique for 'Ni(p, a)' Co and 'Ni(p, a)' Co + reactions using 88.84% enriched 'Ni from threshold up to 18.6 MeV. Thin samples of 'Ni were prepared by electrodeposition on gold foils. The radioactivity of the activation products was determined via high resolution x-and y-ray spectrometry. From the measured experimental data isomeric cross-section ratios [o /o +s ] were deduced. Statistical model calculations taking into account precompound effects were performed for the strong 'Ni(p, xn) channels as well as for the weak 'Ni(p, cx) process. The experimental 'Ni(p, xn) and 'Ni(p, o. ) excitation functions are described well by the calculation over the whole investigated energy range. The isomeric cross-section ratio for the isomeric pair Co formed in the 'Ni(p, a) process is also reproduced well by the model calculation, provided the input level scheme and the spin distribution are properly taken into account. PACS number(s): 25.40.Ep, 24.60.DrStudies of excitation functions of nuclear reactions are of considerable importance for testing nuclear models. Of special interest are investigations on isomeric crosssection ratios, particularly as a function of energy, since they should depict the effect of nuclear spin. Model calculations of the isomeric states have to account for more detail and, furthermore, depend critically on the input level scheme of the residual nucleus (cf. Refs. [1,2]). In this work we chose to investigate the 'Ni(p, a) Co process, where special techniques of sample preparation and radioactivity measurement were required. The aim was to test the predictive power of the model calculation.