The Florida Tech football team will get out of Hurricane Irma’s path this weekend when they travel to Lake Charles to take on McNeese State, and as of Thursday the Panthers plan to fly into the city this morning, said Florida Tech Sports Information Director Daniel Supraner. 

The question is whether the Division II program based in Melbourne on Florida’s east coast will be able to get back home right away.

The Panthers, not sure exactly what kind of damage will be done by the Category 5 hurricane, are attempting to make plans to stay in Southwest Louisiana, if necessary. 

“The coaches are working out a way to stay an extra couple days until the storm passes through Florida,” Supraner said. “Whether it’s staying until late Sunday night or wait until Monday, we still don’t know. I think they’re going to play it by ear.”

McNeese head coach Lance Guidry said the Cowboys are prepared to let the Panthers use their facilities if they do in fact need to stay longer than normal. 

But as for the week leading up to the game, Florida Tech has been able to practice uninterrupted and without issue, Supraner said. 

After arriving in Lake Charles, Florida Tech will head to Westlake High School, where they will conduct a final practice before Saturday’s game.