Hurricane Ike is expected to make its presence felt across southwest Arkansas on Saturday afternoon, prompting Ouachita Baptist University officials to adjust the schedules for a number of campus activities.
Details related to Family Day, Preview Day and the Ouachita-West Georgia football game on Sept. 13 are being revised in the wake of predictions that strong storms associated with Hurricane Ike will hit the area by late afternoon.
In an e-mail letter to parents of students, Ouachita President Rex Horne wrote, “As you know, Hurricane Ike is threatening the Gulf Coast, particularly the southern regions of Texas and Louisiana. It is almost certain that the storm also will affect a large portion of Arkansas on Saturday afternoon and Sunday. As a result, we are making changes in our weekend schedule for the safety of our students and others who are planning to visit the campus.”
Noting that “so many people will be affected by this latest storm,” Dr. Horne added, “Please join me in praying for their safety over the next few days.”
The Tiger football game, originally scheduled for 7 p.m. on Saturday, has been moved to a noon kick-off time at A.U. Williams Field. A pep rally will be held at 11 a.m. at Ouachita’s amphitheatre if weather permits, according to OBU Athletic Director David Sharp.
Family Day activities have been adjusted to include brunch in the Commons beginning at 11 a.m. prior to the football game. Brunch will be available until 1:30 p.m. An afternoon Family Day reception has been cancelled due to time constraints.
Preview Day activities for prospective students also have been revised. The new schedule will feature sessions and campus tours on Saturday morning rather than Saturday afternoon. Check-in will be held on the steps of Cone-Bottoms at 8 a.m. followed by the opening program in Jones Performing Arts Center at 8:30 a.m.
Other Preview Day activities will include campus tours at 9 a.m., academic sessions at 10 and 10:30 a.m. as well as the 11 a.m. brunch and noon football game.
Other revised schedules for the day include both the campus bookstore and Starbucks being open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The Tiger football game can be heard on the Ouachita Football Network through the following stations: Arkadelphia (KYXK-FM 106.9); Hot Springs (KBHS-AM 1420); Magnolia (KVMA-AM 630); El Dorado (KELD-FM 106.5); Nashville (KNAS-FM 105.5); Mena (KQOR-FM 105.3) or on the web at: mms://rain.obu.edu/tigerathletics/
