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. Â 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. Â Schedules and availability for the venues will need to be confirmed before any announcements are made.
Picture credit – CHSHornets.com
