Sept. 13, 2001

We have decided to postpone the Illinois-Louisville football game, while going ahead with the unity and memorial event planned for Dad's Day on Saturday.

Our original aspiration was to turn the game and festivities into a powerful event for honor and unity. It has become increasingly clear that it would be very difficult to maintain the proper focus on the unity and memorial event while continuing to play the game. Proceeding with the game could undermine the event and obscure its meaning.

We will hold a special program of words and music in Memorial Stadium on Saturday commemorating those who have fallen and recognizing our diversity and commonality as Americans.

All members of the University community and the general public are invited. We hope that everyone who planned to go to the game will attend. There will be no charge for admission or parking.

Please join us there if you can.

Ron Guenther                      Nancy Cantor
Director of Athletics             Chancellor

Following are quotes from Illinois Director of Athletics Ron Guenther and Head Football Coach Ron Turner regarding the University of Illinois' decision to postpone the Sept. 15 football game with Louisville:

"Our original decision to host the football game on Sept. 15 was based on the best information available at the time. As we've moved into uncharted waters of a very difficult situation, the event we were planning to hold to help unify the communities was not possible. At this time, we feel it would be best to postpone the game and try to reschedule with Louisville later in the season."

UI Director of Athletics Ron Guenther

"In light of our President's calling for a National Day of Mourning, I support and respect the University's decision to postpone this weekend's game against Louisville. I know our team is disappointed, but we will take this weekend to heal from this national tragedy."

Head Football Coach Ron Turner