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10/04/24 12:23:00
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10/04 12:21 CDT UNC relocates intrasquad scrimmage from Cherokee after
Hurricane Helene's impact to region
UNC relocates intrasquad scrimmage from Cherokee after Hurricane Helene's
impact to region
By AARON BEARD
AP Basketball Writer
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (AP) --- North Carolina has relocated its planned intrasquad
scrimmage in western North Carolina due to damage from Hurricane Helene in that
region and will instead hold it at home.
The school had scheduled its Blue-White scrimmage for Oct. 13 at the Harrah's
Resort in Cherokee, located in the state's western-most county. The Tar Heels
were then set to travel to Memphis to play an exhibition game two days later
benefitting St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. But the region has been
devastated after the Category 4 storm, which flooded out roads and whole
communities as it rolled north through the Carolinas, Georgia and eastern
Tennessee. Officials reported 200 dead from the storm as of Thursday.
UNC said Friday the decision was mutual between the school and organizers. The
scrimmage is now Oct. 12, with ticket proceeds going to hurricane relief to
join a list of aid efforts from college and professional sports organizations.
"Our No. 1 concern is the safety and well-being of the thousands of people who
are affected by the storm and we didn't want to add to their challenges by
trying to play a basketball game in Cherokee at this time," UNC coach Hubert
Davis said in a statement.
"We had some discussions about keeping the date to help restore some normalcy
but there is nothing normal about the tragic circumstances people in the area
are facing every day. We plan to bring our team to Harrah's and Cherokee
another time when the conditions are right."
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