Irma threat forces SC State to postpone home-opener versus CSU

ORANGEBURG, S.C. (WOLO) — SC State’s home-opener against Charleston Southern has been postponed because of the threat from Hurricane Irma.

Charleston Southern University is cancelling classes Friday, so all athletics events will be cancelled or postponed.

“The safety of our student-athletes and staff is paramount to the Department of Athletics and to the university. When faced with situations such as the impending hurricane expected to impact South Carolina, we always want to exercise caution and use good judgement to ensure students’ safety. I look forward to working with Charleston Southern in an effort to reschedule the game,” said Athletics Director Stacy Danley.

“(Being unable to play this weekend) is so disappointing because we were looking forward to renewing a relationship with South Carolina State in football and play them as we compete in so many other sports. We’re hoping we can get together with them later on this season and look forward to trying to work that out,” said Hank Small, Charleston Southern University athletic director.

A CSU source close to ABC News 4 in Charleston says the game will most likely be cancelled, so both teams will lose a game on their schedule.

This is the second-straight season the Bulldogs have made scheduling changes because of the weather, after their season-opener against Bethune-Cookman was postponed in 2016 because of Hurricane Matthew.

This is a developing story. Please check back with ABC Columbia for future updates.