Can we move the state final four out of Syracuse?
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- November
- 16
Once again, the snow has thrown a monkey wrench into the field hockey state final four in Syracuse.
This is the second time in the last five years that snow has added an extra day. In 2003, I remember arriving at then P & C Stadium for Rye’s game at 9:30 a.m. It was the first game of the day, however, I learned that it was being delayed. I went down to the field to find Section 1 chairperson Sue Hughes and her respective sectional chairs chipping ice off the carpet, with shovels, in an effort to prepare the field.
Well, the game eventually started and what a mistake. The snow, which started as helpless flakes, transformed into blizzard-like conditions. Rye would win the game, if I remember correctly, 2-1 over Southampton, on a Taryn Prostano goal. When I interviewed Prostano after the game she said it was not fun playing in those conditions.
Following Rye’s win, the sectional chairs approved the postponement of the remaining games.
Now, can we think about getting the state final four out of Syracuse so we don’t have to deal with snow or the threat of snow every year? There has to be another section that would be willing to host it.
Heck, I can think of four places immediately—Lakeland High School, Dietz Stadium in Kingston, Skidmore and Hofstra. What about the bubble in Milton? In 2005, it hosted regional field hockey games.
I know, these places are not centrally-located, but who cares? The cross country state championships were practically held in Canada. Back in 1994, the boys soccer state championships were held in Bath and Cohocton. I know this because I was there as Port Chester played in Bath, and Rye Neck in Cohocton, 25 minutes south on Interstate 381.
Let’s forget about the centrally-located theme for once and think about the weather concerns. Once October rolls around, he threat of snow in Syracuse becomes a real possibility. Syracuse has hosted the state final four since 1997. It’s time for a change and to get out of the snow.
Section 1 chairperson Sue Hughes, how about bringing the state final four to Section 1? Last year, Section 4 coordinator Jan Conover was impressed with Lakeland and last week I got the impression Section 9 chair Linda Krausz was also impressed.
This entry was posted
on Friday, November 16th, 2007 at 7:38 pm by Tony Pinciaro.
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I don’t think Lakeland is the proper venue. Not enough hotels in the immediate area and too much traffic on Friday.Don’t forget 12 teams plus tons of fans need accomodations. How about West Point? Nearby Newburgh has plenty of hotels and restaurants and playing at that historic site would be memorable for the girls.
Why doesn’t the state get on the ball and sync all the sections and get the season done a week or 2 earlier and not cut it so close to the snow. look how nice it was last weekend
There are Holiday Inns in Fiskill and Mount Kisco and remember, you only need 10 or 11 teams worth. Sections 1 & 9 are close enough not to need a hotel and it’s probably safe to say that Section 1 will send at least one, if not two or three teams to the Final Four.
It befuddles me why the NYSPHSAA can afford to have soccer and football state finals in the Carrier Dome and not field hockey.
This is a Title IX issue, pure and simple.
NYSPHSAA needs to move the Field Hockey State finals OUT OF SYRACUSE. Plain and simple. Weather is too unpredictable in November. The further north you go in november the MORE chance of bad weather…. Need a central location?? Why not utilize the Carrier Dome – oh that right the boys football playoffs are already there…...