The Bowling Green Falcon football team’s titanic game with No.18 South Carolina will go on as planned. According to the South Carolina Gamecock’s athletic website, the game will be played Saturday, Sept. 15 at 7 p.m. pending Bowling Green’s ability to travel to Columbia.
Bowling Green Sports Information Director J.D. Campbell said as of 5:30 p.m. yesterday evening that the team will make the trip down to South Carolina if transportation is available.
The decision not to cancel the game due to the tragic terrorist attacks on America Tuesday was made following a teleconference among the 12 athletic directors of the Southeastern Conference.
“We are planning to compete at South Carolina on Saturday as long as we are able to safely travel by air on Friday to Columbia and return immediately following the game,” BGSU Athletic Director Paul Krebs said.”
“The Bowling Green State University department of athletics joins the world in mourning the great loss our country has suffered,” added Krebs. “We support our national leaders and University community’s desire to return to our normal activities as quickly as possible. While we support returning to competition without interruption, we recognize that we must ensure that the safety and welfare of our student athletes, coaches, staff and fans remains our first priority. It is our intent to continue forward in the spirit of healthy competition.”
South Carolina Athletic Director Mike McGee also had words to say about the tragedy.
“This is indeed a time of mourning and a time to remember those who tragically lost their lives during these horrific terrorists acts on Tuesday,” McGee said. “We have also been reminded by President Bush that we should never allow terrorists to restrict our freedoms or alter our way of life.”
“We also believe this will provide an important means for allowing people to come together for the common cause of expressing their support for the victims and their families and the countless heroes who participated in the rescue efforts,” McGee continued. We are asking all fans to join in a pregame ceremony as we honor those who have lost their lives and pay tribute to this country’s resolve.”
