In light of severe storms and subsequent power outages that impacted the region, Westmont Hilltop High School has decided to relocate its home football game against Tyrone Area to Windber Stadium. This decision was confirmed by Athletic Director Tom Callihan, who emphasized that the safety of students, families, and fans was the primary concern.
The game, part of the Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference, is now scheduled to kick off at 7 p.m. on Friday at Windber Stadium. Callihan noted that the lack of power in Westmont made it impossible to hold the game at their home field, Price Field, as there was no electricity to support the necessary facilities.
"There is no power in Westmont, so obviously there is no power to our field," Callihan explained on Friday morning. He highlighted the logistical challenges posed by the situation, particularly in safely transporting players and fans to the stadium. Communication issues in the area further complicated the situation, as Callihan pointed out, stating, "If you haven’t been to Westmont, if you live anywhere else, you can’t truly understand how bad it is up there. Please, stay away from Westmont if you don’t have to go there."
Callihan, who has a long history with Westmont Hilltop athletics, expressed the unique difficulties of moving a game on such short notice. "I’ve never had to move a football game on the morning of a game," he said. The process of relocating involves coordinating with multiple parties, including police, ambulances, security personnel, and various game officials. He likened the operation to moving a small army into Windber.
This unexpected change not only affects the logistics of the game but also the experience for players and fans alike. The relocation to Windber Stadium provides a safe environment for the event to proceed as scheduled, despite the adverse weather conditions that have led to this unusual situation.
As the teams prepare for the game, both Tyrone and Westmont Hilltop will look to focus on their performance amidst the challenges presented by the weather and the venue change. This matchup is crucial for both teams as they navigate the competitive landscape of the Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference, and they will aim to put forth their best efforts in front of the fans who manage to attend the relocated game.
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