On September 5, 2024, the Colorado School of Mines Orediggers took the field against Washburn University in a college football matchup that would become notable for its unusual conclusion. The game, staged at the Mines’ home stadium in Golden, Colorado, started at 9:05 a.m. local time, a scheduling choice intended to beat the forecasted heat later in the day.
The contest lasted only a brief span before the Mid‑America Intercollegiate Athletics Association intervened, invoking its extreme‑heat rule once the wet‑bulb temperature exceeded 92.1 °F. That threshold, designed to protect players from heat‑related illness, was breached as the temperature climbed, prompting officials to suspend play.
Heat‑Related Rule Triggers Suspension
With a heat index soaring to 107 °F, conditions were classified as dangerous for prolonged physical exertion. After a short deliberation between coaches and game officials, the decision was made to declare the matchup final, preserving the 16‑16 scoreline.
The result marks a rare tie in modern college football, a scenario seldom seen since the NCAA mandated overtime in 1995. Both programs now reflect a single victory and a tie in their season records, with Washburn listed at 1‑0‑1 and Colorado School of Mines at 0‑1‑1.
The episode also highlights the growing prevalence of extreme weather alerts across the Midwest. Topeka, Kansas, remained under an excessive heat warning on the day of the game, with forecasts calling for temperatures to reach triple digits, underscoring the challenges faced by outdoor sports venues.