Thursday, September 1, 2005

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - The Jacksonville football team's game against Southeastern Louisiana scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 1, at 7:30 p.m. has been cancelled and will not be rescheduled, due to the effects of Hurricane Katrina in Louisiana. JU will now open the season against Georgia State at D.B. Milne Field next Saturday, Sept. 10, at 12:30 p.m.

JU Athletic Director Alan Verlander and SLU A.D. Frank Pergolizzi attempted to reschedule the contest for this weekend at D.B. Milne Field, but both sides agreed to cancel on Wednesday. In lieu of the cancellation, the Dolphins will have the season premier of the JU Insider show with Joel Lamp on Thursday, Sept. 1, at 7 p.m. on ESPN 1460.

"Although we would have liked to play a game, there are more important things in life than football," said JU head coach Steve Gilbert. "We understand the decision and our thoughts and prayers go out to the families and friends affected by Hurricane Katrina."

This is not the first JU football game to be altered by inclement weather. The Dolphins had their 2004 opener at Florida International cancelled due to pending threats from Hurricane Frances. In 1999, JU's contest at Chowan (N.C.) College was cancelled because of the damage Hurricane Floyd rendered on North Carolina.