Bethune-Cookman cancels football season opener
September 2, 2004
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- A category four hurricane threatening to hit Florida
has forced Bethune-Cookman College officials to cancel Saturday’s football
season opener against Savannah State University.
Due to the lack of comparable open dates during the 2004 season, the game
between Bethune-Cookman College and Savannah State University will not be
rescheduled.
“While we recognize that thousands of fans have a vested interest in this
outstanding event, the issue of the public safety and the well being of our
students and friends is our primary concern,” said Lynn W. Thompson,
Bethune-Cookman Athletics Director.
This marks the first time in 50 years that the Wildcats have not played the
Gateway Classic football game. Also, the second time in four seasons the
Wildcats have had to cancel a game against Savannah State. The first coming
in 2001 when the Bethune-Cookman cancelled their game against Savannah State
due to the September 11th tragedy.
The Wildcats will open their season on the road against the University of
Arkansas Pine Bluff. This marks the 10th season Bethune-Cookman will play
only 10 regular season games, and the second time in Head Coach Alvin Wyatt’
s coaching career. The Wildcats has had only one losing season when playing
a 10-game regular season schedule.
Hurricane Frances is expected to hit the Central Florida area this weekend
with winds up to 145 miles per hour.
Bethune-Cookman College has closed effective at 1 pm on Wednesday and
announcements concerning reopening will be announced after the storm has
passed.
All other home athletic events including the September 1, 2004 home
volleyball match against Savannah State have also been cancelled.
Refunds on all tickets purchased for the 2004 Gateway Classic can be
obtained through the outlet that the tickets were purchased from. For
refunds on all tickets purchased through the Bethune-Cookman Ticket Office
call 386-481-2292.
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