Schools Try to Help Victims of Katrina

Across the country on the first Saturday of college football season, schools and fans made efforts to assist the victims of Hurricane Katrina.

In Tuscaloosa, Ala., at least 300 Crimson Tide fans gave tickets to Alabama’s game against Middle Tennessee to refugees who were staying at the university’s recreation center.

“This is monumental. It takes your mind away from what’s going on,” said Raydell Hayes, a restaurant worker from New Orleans who took five children to the game and doesn’t know when he will be able to return to his home or job.

Some volunteers at the shelter were teaching the new fans Alabama’s “Roll Tide” cheer, even though many are more accustomed to pulling for Louisiana State.

“I know all about ‘Roll Tide,’ ” Hayes said. “When Alabama plays LSU, the fans come to the French Quarter and pretty much what you hear is ‘Roll Tide.’ ”

Locally, UCLA announced that Bruin athletes, athletic department staff and university faculty and staff will assist the Red Cross in collecting donations at Saturday’s 7 p.m. game between UCLA and Rice at the Rose Bowl.

Every fan who makes a donation at the game will receive a coupon good for admission for two to a designated UCLA sports event.

-- Robyn Norwood