The Oregon School Activities Association sent a release saying it has uprooted the Class 3A boys and girls basketball state tournaments in order to move them to the Coos Bay area. Marshfield and North Bend high schools will host the tournaments beginning in March 2011 following a vote of the OSAA Executive Board.
The vote was nine to one in favor of the move. It’ll be a two-year commitment. Marshfield previously hosted the A-2 boys tournament from 1959 through 1970.
Willamette University in Salem has been the only basketball site for Class 3A, which was created in 2006-07 when the six-classification system was instituted.
OSAA executive board member and Marshfield principal Greg Mulkey, who abstained from voting, eased concerns of additional travel for competing schools with the Coos Bay and North Bend communities’ plans for discounted lodging, pre-sold tickets and the area’s overall enthusiasm to host the event.
“It’s the nicest old gym in the state of Oregon,” Mulkey said of 3,200-seat “Pirate Palace” at Marshfield High School. “North Bend, with its recent renovation and 2,000 seats also is one of the state’s top facilities. Both gyms will provide great atmosphere.”
Rather than the one-facility/four-day format of other OSAA tournaments, the 3A quarterfinals through finals will be held over three days at two facilities.
“Our community is very excited about this opportunity and will provide a wonderful experience for the student-athletes, coaches, parents and fans,” Mulkey said.
The 2011 OSAA / U.S. Bank / Les Schwab Tires 3A Basketball State Championships are scheduled for Thursday through Saturday, March 3-5.
