University of Texas Arlington

North Texas drought conditions and severe water restrictions have prompted The University of Texas at Arlington to postpone this year’s Oozeball event.

The Maverick-style mud volleyball tournament had been scheduled to take place on Friday, Sept. 16, 2011. It will now be held on Friday, April 27, 2012.

“Oozeball is traditionally held the same weekend every year,” said Lora Malone, executive director of the UTA Alumni Association. “We are postponing it because we want to be good stewards of the environment.”

The University’s Campus Recreation Department works with the Alumni Association to organize the event, which benefits the Student Alumni Association Sophomore Scholarship. Last year, the muddy battle raised nearly $20,000.

Doug Kuykendall, UT Arlington’s assistant vice president for campus recreation, called the decision to postpone the event the right move.

“The decision was reached after lengthy discussion and because we are good neighbors and we understand what’s happening in the state and around the region,” he said.

Texas is experiencing the worst drought in more than half a century. The City of Arlington has urged residential and non-residential customers to stretch supplies and limit outdoor watering to no more than twice per week.

Oozeball began in 1989 and is one of UT Arlington’s most popular campus traditions.

The University of Texas at Arlington is a comprehensive research institution of nearly 34,000 students in the heart of North Texas. Visit www.uta.edu to learn more.

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The University of Texas at Arlington is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer.