WONDER BOYS SEASON OPENER AT NO. 2 RANKED
NORTHWEST MISSOURI CALLED DUE TO LIGHTNING

        MARYVILLE, Missouri – Arkansas Tech Football’s season opener at No. 2 ranked Northwest Missouri State was called here Thursday night with 2:30 remaining in the first quarter due to lightning. When the game was called, the Bearcats were leading 21-0, but Tech was driving the ball and appeared headed for its first score of the game when the officials stopped play.

Since the game was called before it became a complete game, none of the statistics will count, nor will the team’s or coaches records be changed. According the NCAA, a college football is considered to be complete after three quarters have been played.

Thursday’s game was delayed for a little over an hour with 9:42 remaining in the quarter, before play resumed, prior to being called after the second delay for lightning.

“I don’t disagree with the decision at all,” Tech Head Football Coach and Athletic Director Steve Mullins said following the game. “I think Dr. Bob Boerigter and his staff made the right decision. The number one thing is the safety of the players and the fans.”

Prior to returning to the field after the first lightning delay, the game officials, coaches and game administrators met to discuss the options when and if play were to resume. The decision was made to call the game should it once again be interrupted by threatening weather.

The Wonder Boys will now open up its 2007 season on Thursday, Aug. 30 at Northeastern State. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. at Doc Wadley Stadium in Tahlequah, Okla.

          Thursday’s game was scheduled to be the earliest season opener in Tech history. The previous earliest start came in 2005 when Tech opened the season on Aug. 25 with a 35-32 win at Northeastern State.    

-- Tech Athletics --