Due to inclement weather that hit the state this week, the class AAA and AA-A state high school soccer tournaments will take place in Charleston, W.Va. next week. The events, originally slotted for Nov. 2-3 in Beckley, will now take place Nov. 6-7 at Schoenbaum Soccer Stadium in Coonskin Park and the Trace Fork Soccer Complex along Corridor G.
The state semifinals for both boys and girls will be Tuesday, Nov. 6, and the championships will take place Wednesday, Nov. 7. This is the first time more than one competitive class will be held in Charleston. Class AAA games will be at Schoenbaum Soccer Stadium, while Trace Fork will host the AA-A competitions.
The West Virginia Secondary School Activities Commission (WVSSAC) announced the transition Wednesday. Although officials regret the cancellation in Beckley they are looking forward to a great tournament in Charleston.
“Everyone in Charleston has really stepped up to the plate in an effort to make this happen,” said Gary Ray, executive director of the WVSSAC. “It’s going to be a great experience for all the kids and parents involved.”
The Charleston Convention and Visitors Bureau and WVSSAC officials started making arrangements Wednesday evening to ensure the tournament’s success.
“This tournament will have an estimated economic impact of nearly $70,000,” said CVB President/CEO Alisa Bailey. “If you add this amount to the group’s other annual competitions, WCVSSAC has an estimated $13.5 million economic impact on Charleston.”
Other WVSSAC events include volleyball, cheerleading, girls and boys basketball, tennis, track and field, and baseball.
Local athletic directors will take the helm to make sure all games are regulated. Shawn Wheeler, athletic director at George Washington High School, will direct the AAA tournament and Bill Gillispie, athletic director at Charleston Catholic High School, will oversee AA-A.
“This is an opportunity to show off our field and we are ready to take on the task,” said Gillispie. “We are excited and willing to help with whatever we can.”
For more information, visit www.charlestonwv.com.
