ATHENS, Ohio -- The Ohio Athletics Department has decided to postpone competition for all its athletic teams through Sunday, Sept. 16, Director of Athletics Thomas Boeh announced today. The move affects the women's soccer, volleyball, field hockey and men's and women's cross country teams. The Bobcats' football game at North Carolina State, scheduled for Thursday night, was postponed yesterday.
"We held an emergency meeting of the Ohio Athletics staff this morning. The group included all coaches, support staff and administrators associated with the athletics program," said Boeh. " Following a candid discussion and careful review of the options, we feel that the most appropriate course of action is to refrain from all intercollegiate competition through this weekend.
"In the wake of this unfolding tragedy, our thoughts are with the victims and their families. It is our hope that this decision will serve as the proper gesture of respect for our country, the victims and their memory.
"Additionally, the health and welfare of Ohio student-athletes remains our top priority. A few days away from competition will afford us the opportunity to identify those individuals that may be in need of assistance in coping with this tragedy as well as provide our community the necessary time to reflect and begin the healing process."
The Ohio volleyball team was scheduled to participate in the Louisville International Tournament Friday and Saturday against Niagara, Team Canada and the host Cardinals. The tournament will not be rescheduled.
Ohio Soccer had two games this weekend, with the Mid-American Conference opener at Eastern Michigan Friday and the home opener against Louisville on Sunday. The Bobcat field hockey team had two games scheduled in Philadelphia this weekend, against Delaware and Temple. Participating institutions are making a good-faith effort to reschedule these contests.
Finally, the cross country teams were slated to host Kent State, Western Michigan, Buffalo and Marshall in the MAC Classic. That competition will not be made up.
