The Board of Directors for the Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA) has turned down bids by Cameron and Chillicothe to host the 2016 8-man state championship football game, citing opinions by a handful of eight-man coaches that their teams deserve an equal state championship experience, and venue, as bigger schools.
The proposals from Chillicothe and Cameron were to host the 8-man title game by itself, at least for 2016. The new plan, according to MSHSAA Communications Director Jason West, will be to play the 8-man and Class 6 state championship games on the Friday before Thanksgiving, with Classes 1 through 5 playing on the two days after Thanksgiving.
Earlier this spring, Plaster Stadium at Missouri State University in Springfield was chosen to host the Class 1 through 5 games for 2016, with Faurot Field in Columbia getting that event for 2017.
Chillicothe Mayor Chuck Haney reacted to the news of Chillicothe’s denial as a potential 8-man host with disappointment:
Mayor Haney was aware of the opinion of some 8-man coaches that playing their state title game in small-town northwest Missouri was not seen as a positive:
While not official, it is believed that MSHSAA is working to get the 8-man and Class 6 championship games to be played at the same location as the other title games, meaning Springfield for 2016 and Columbia for 2017. Schedules and availability for the venues will need to be confirmed before any announcements are made.
Picture credit – CHSHornets.com
