Richmond, Virginia - The wind gusted violently from north to south, shaking the bleachers and whistling across the field. The sideways rain felt like pushpins against the skin. The American flag flapped mercilessly from side to side and looked as if it would rip from its pole. And yet, a football game was played at Virginia Union.
What was billed as "The only game in town" became maybe the only game on the East Coast, which was hit Saturday by Hurricane Irene. Despite some of the worst conditions imaginable, the game went on, and Virginia Union defeated Saint Augustine's 12-0 at Hovey Field.
"We knew there'd be rain," VUU coach Michael Bailey said. "But you don't stop football for rain. You stop it for lightning and tornadoes. That wasn't in the picture, so we felt like we could get it in. This wasn't the first time we've played in rain."
Bailey, who also serves as Union's athletic director, said he made a joint decision with VUU President Claude Perkins to proceed with the game. Saint Augustine's coach Michael Costa didn't object.
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Div. II schools scoff in Irene’s general direction, open 2011 season
Richmond, VA - What, you thought a lil’ ol’ hurricane that’s already claimed the lives of at least eight people as of this posting was going to stop a pair of schools in its path from getting their season-opening football on?
Rain-soaked, wind-swept child please.
Just as the leading edge of Hurricane Irene was making its way into the state of Virginia early Saturday afternoon, Div. II schools Virginia Union and Saint Augustine’s were scheduled to kick off their 2011 season. And, of course, they decided to go ahead and play the opener as scheduled.
And, of course, the game was slightly affected by the weather conditions.
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