Sept. 12, 2001

In light of the Mid-American Conference’s announcement today that it would honor each member school’s decision on holding weekend events, the University of Kentucky men’s soccer program will play host to the UK/Traditional Bank Classic scheduled for Friday, Sept. 14, and Sunday, Sept. 16.

“At the most fundamental level, we understand that our decision-making process on intercollegiate athletics events pales in comparison to the humanitarian efforts that are occurring nationally in response to the tragic events of yesterday,” said Mid-American Conference Commissioner Rick Chryst. “Mindful of that fact, I greatly respect the judgments that each of our institutions have made relating to athletics competition this weekend. I know that the discussions directed by each University President on our campuses have been thorough, thoughtful and serious – involving student-athletes, coaches, academic and athletics administrators, as well as important external constituencies.

“We fully support – in equal measure – institutional decisions to play or not to play,” Chryst added. “In my view, there is no right or wrong answer in dealing with a circumstance so unique and specific to each institution and individual. What is consistent is the shared sense of enormous loss, common resolve and life perspective that we all feel.”

Action in the Classic gets underway with the Xavier vs. Winthrop match at 5 p.m. on Friday. UK will face The Citadel at approximately 7:30 p.m.