State Soccer Tournament Moved to Charleston - Beckley, Bluefield & Lewisburg News, Weather, Sports

The following is a press release from the WVSSAC:

A meeting was held today in Beckley at the YMCA Soccer Complex and David Laraba, Co-Director of the State Soccer Tournament, notified the WVSSAC that with the amount of snow
on the fields it would be next to impossible to play at their site any time next week. David Laraba said, "in all fairness to the youngster who will be participating in the state tournament
they need a venue that will not impact the outcome of the game. It is in the best interest of our
sport to move the tournament."

The WVSSAC administrative staff visited two sites in Charleston, Schoenbaum Soccer Stadium
and Trace Fork Complex, and has decided to move the Soccer State Championship to these two
facilities. The Class AAA tournament will be played at Schoenbaum Soccer Stadium and the AA/
A will play at the Trace Fork Complex.

Semi final action will be help on Tuesday November 6th and the finals being held on Wednesday, November 7th.

Gary Ray, Executive Director, said, "we hate having to move the tournament from Beckley
because of the effort by David Laraba and Tim Carrico, Athletic Director at Woodrow Wilson
High School, but we trust their judgment and recommendations".

Shawn Wheeler, Athletic Director at George Washington High School, will direct the Class AAA
tournament and Bill Gillespie, Athletic Director at Charleston Catholic High School will direct the
Class AA/A. The WVSSAC will work with the Charleston CVB to make necessary arrangements
with hotels for our schools, officials and fans to find lodging.

In closing Mr. Ray continued, "we appreciate the cooperation of the two facilities in Charleston
for assisting our efforts in finalizing the State Soccer Tournament."