The University of Houston has canceled or postponed all athletic events scheduled for this weekend because of Tropical Storm Harvey – including the football team’s opener at UTSA.
As a result, Houston presumably will open its season at Arizona on Sept. 9.
“Everyone in our university community, including our student-athletes, coaches and their staff, has been impacted by this incredible storm. This is a time for all of us to focus on the well-being of our families and neighbors and the recovery of the Houston area,” UH president Renu Khator said, via the school’s official athletics website. “We’ll be excited to resume athletic competition, but right now our student-athletes are anxious to contribute to getting the city we love so much back on its feet again.”
Not having any 2017 game film of the Cougars will create an unexpected challenge for the Wildcats. But football obviously takes a backseat to the struggles of millions of Houstonians who are under water because of the storm.
“The epic disaster that continues to unfold in and around the city of Houston has made it evident that our athletic events are not a priority at this time,” Houston vice president for athletics Hunter Yurachek said. “Our focus during the coming days will be on assisting the city of Houston and University of Houston communities in recovery efforts and allowing our coaches, staff and student-athletes to devote the necessary time to ensuring the safety and security of their family, friends and loved ones.”
Harvey forced the UH football team to relocate its base of operations to Austin. Here's what UH coach Major Applewhite had to say about the postponement decision:
Here was Major Applewhite's explanation on postponing UH-UTSA game. Respect him keeping perspective. pic.twitter.com/7PLHH6f3ZJ
— Max Olson (@max_olson) August 29, 2017
