A college football team from East Tennessee State University (ETSU) found themselves stranded on buses on a flooded interstate in North Carolina due to Hurricane Helene. They were on their way to a game in Charleston when floodwaters forced them to stop. The team spent 14 hours on the buses before finally being able to get out of the “flood trap.” The head coach, Tre Lamb, mentioned that it was a scary situation and thanked the bus drivers, athletic trainers, and staff for keeping everyone calm. A random stranger eventually gave the coaches a ride to shelter and informed them that the highway was open. Despite not being able to contact their families, the team was ready to play whenever they reached their destination.
Several college football games were postponed or canceled due to Hurricane Helene, with Furman University postponing their matchup against Samford, and Appalachian State canceling their game against Liberty. The storm was downgraded to a post-tropical cyclone after wreaking havoc in the southeastern states. Flooding was one of the major destructive impacts of the hurricane, beginning in Florida before making landfall in the Big Bend region as a catastrophic Category 4 hurricane with winds of 140 mph. The storm caused at least 40 deaths and is expected to cause billions of dollars in property damage.
FOX Weather meteorologist, Ian Oliver, reported rapidly rising waters along Florida’s coast even before the hurricane made landfall. Streets around St. Pete Beach were flooded as the surge quickly inundated the area. The National Weather Service issued an extreme wind warning for several counties in the Big Bend region as the storm approached. The hurricane brought a potentially “unsurvivable” 20-foot storm surge and catastrophic winds, causing significant damage and devastation in its path. Despite the severe impact of the storm, the ETSU football team remained determined to play their scheduled game against The Citadel, ready to compete despite the challenges they faced.
The team’s head coach expressed gratitude towards those who helped them during their ordeal, acknowledging the efforts of the bus drivers, athletic trainers, and staff in keeping everyone safe and calm. The random stranger who provided assistance to the coaches also played a crucial role in ensuring their safety. The team’s perseverance and resilience in the face of the natural disaster, along with the support of the community, demonstrated the strength of their spirit and determination. Despite the hardships faced during their journey, the team remained focused on their goal of playing the game against The Citadel. Their experience served as a reminder of the unpredictable and destructive nature of hurricanes, emphasizing the importance of preparedness and resilience in the face of natural disasters.
Hurricane Helene’s impact on college football games highlighted the disruption caused by extreme weather events, leading to the postponement and cancellation of several matchups. The storm’s downgrade to a post-tropical cyclone marked the beginning of recovery efforts in the affected areas. The widespread flooding, storm surge, and powerful winds unleashed by the hurricane caused significant damage and loss of life, underscoring the need for robust disaster response and mitigation measures. As communities across the southeastern states worked to recover and rebuild in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, the resilience and solidarity shown by individuals and organizations in the face of adversity reflected the strength and compassion of the human spirit. The ETSU football team’s experience served as a testament to the determination and courage that individuals and communities exhibit when faced with unexpected challenges, showcasing the power of teamwork and unity in overcoming obstacles.
