Aug. 29, 2008

THIBODAUX, La. - With Hurricane Gustav forecasted by the National Weather Service to make landfall around the Thibodaux area, Nicholls University and New Mexico State University have agreed to cancel their football game scheduled for Thursday September 4.

"Nicholls University appreciates the incredible amount of support we have received from New Mexico State University in approaching the urgency of this situation with Hurricane Gustav," said Dr. Stephen T. Hulbert, Nicholls University President.

"After speaking with New Mexico State University President Dr. [Waded] Cruzado this evening, we came to the conclusion that it was not in the best interest of our student-athletes to send our team to Las Cruces. We had alarming concerns from the parents and families of our football team, and went ahead and made the decision."

Nicholls Athletics Department has been planning for all different possibilities with the approaching Hurricane Gustav, and decided as of today at 5:30 p.m. CT that it was not safe to have the Nicholls Football team, along with the coaching and support staff, in Las Cruces, N.M. away from their families in this time of need.

All student-athletes that are able to find their own transportation are being advised to go to their homes with their families to evacuate. The university and the athletics department has made arrangements with Louisiana Tech University in Ruston, La. to house all international student-athletes, along with all other student-athletes who can not find proper transportation. Two buses will transport all student-athletes in need of transportation tomorrow, Saturday August 30, at 3 p.m. from Barker Hall.

"Our overwhelming concern is for the safety and welfare of our student-athletes and staff said Rob Bernardi, Nicholls Athletics Director.

"I spoke with New Mexico State athletics director, McKinley Boston late today. Mr. Boston and I agreed to visit next week about the possibility of rescheduling the game."

The entire football team will meet with Head Coach Jay Thomas and the coaching staff tonight to make any further arrangements.

"We are disappointed to not be able to play the game because we have worked so hard to prepare all off season, but the safety of our team, families and coaches families takes precedent over playing a football game," said Thomas.

"We would like to thank our administration and university, along with New Mexico State as we explored every option to make the game happen from a travel stand point. We look forward to our first home game against Bowie State, and hope for the best for the university and southern Louisiana."

For all of the latest information pertaining to Nicholls University, please stay tuned to Nicholls' official website at www.nicholls.edu.

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