UL Athletics Monitoring Isaac

Hurricane Isaac has been one tough guy to figure out.

And, that means plans for this weekend at the UL Athletic Department are getting changed regularly.

"Like everyone else, we're monitoring the storm," said athletics director Scott Farmer, who has three different sports hosing events this weekend.  "We had scheduled football practice for this evening, but moved it to this morning (at the Leon Moncla Indoor Facility) because the weather is supposed to be worse tonight.  We'll have the student-athletes back to their dorms by noon."

First and foremost for the fans is the status of Saturday's football opener with Lamar.  But for Farmer, soccer and volleyball need to be dealt with as well.

"We host a volleyball tournament beginning Friday night.  And, soccer has a home match Friday as well.  With all of our sports, safety for our visitors traveling and our student-athletes is the most important thing.  Some of these teams are scheduled to travel tomorrow, so we'll need to make a decision on those events first."

As far as football is concerned, the opponent gives Farmer a little more time.

"Lamar is busing in, and that makes it easier than if they were trying to fly in Friday morning.  Their location gives us more time to assess things after the storm moves through."

The biggest concern for Farmer, in addition to the uncertainty of the timing with this storm, is the assessment of damage once the storm moves through.

"Obviously the two things after the storm moves through is potential wind damage to the stadium, especially as it pertains to lighting.  And even more importantly is the possibility of power outages."

But Farmer, speaking from his office Wednesday morning, felt good about the possibility of playing football this Saturday.

"Right now we're planning to play.  We'll let everyone know if that changes."