Saturday’s football game postponed

Saturday’s football game postponed

ANN ARBOR—The University of Michigan and Western Michigan University have agreed to postpone their football game scheduled Saturday (Sept. 15) in light of this week’s national tragedy. The two athletic departments will work on rescheduling, if possible, for a future date.

Statement from University of Michigan President Lee C. Bollinger:

“The University of Michigan football game against Western Michigan University scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 15,will not be played. We have agreed to postpone the game, or to cancel if it is not possible to reschedule in the near future.

“We have taken a long, hard look at this and talked with many other institutions around the country. We know each university has struggled with the need to return to normalcy as a symbol that terrorism will not prevail. Many collegiate games will be held this weekend. Our players and our coaches would like to return to the field as soon as possible, so that they might be part of the healing that must happen nationwide.

“We respect that perspective, but also understand that the decision is individual to each institution. Michigan Stadium will remain dark this Saturday as we pay tribute to all those who are missing and lost in this week’s tragic events. Sadly, we are learning that some of the casualties are friends, relatives, colleagues, and alumni. Each of this country’s universities is paying its respects in different but equally important ways.

“We will return to the regular University of Michigan 2001 football schedule next week as we start the Big 10 season.”

Statement from U-M Athletic Director Bill Martin:

“The University’s decision to postpone or possibly cancel this week’s game against Western Michigan University came after lengthy discussions with the team, President Bollinger, Executive Officers and our coaches. The team wants to play as a message that terrorism will not stop us. We are sensitive, however, to the many concerns we have heard from those who feel a strong need to signal our respect in the most public way we have available to us.

“Safety and security at Michigan Stadium is always a fundamental consideration. The University’s Department of Public Safety, in conjunction with support from other public safety agencies, has security plans in place for each game at the Stadium. However, the images from this week’s events are fresh in our minds and in our hearts.

“All ticket holders for this Saturday’s game should retain their tickets until we can determine our remaining home schedule. We are actively seeking a date to play Western or another game with another opponent if we cannot reschedule with Western Michigan.”

Contacts:Bruce Madej, University of MichiganJulie Peterson, University of MichiganDaniel Jankowski, Western Michigan

Lee C. BollingerBill MartinDepartment of Public SafetyNews and Information ServicesUniversity of Michigan