The Kansas State High School Activities Association is shifting its upcoming boys state soccer championships away from Wichita. Instead of playing at the Stryker Sports Complex as originally planned, teams will take the field in Topeka next weekend.
kwch.com reported that the governing body made the decision following an October 17 tragedy at the Wichita facility. A pickup truck struck individuals on one of the complex soccer fields, leaving two people dead and 10 others injured.
KSHSAA stated that relocating the matches was necessary for the well-being of the schools and communities involved. The organization consulted closely with local partners before making the call.
Collaboration Behind the Venue Change
Association leaders did not reach the decision in a vacuum. Representatives from Scheels Stryker Sports Complex and Visit Wichita discussed the situation with KSHSAA officials, ultimately expressing understanding and support for the move to Hummer Sports Park.
“Larry Inlow and his team at Stryker, along with Josh Howell and Visit Wichita, have been outstanding hosts for KSHSAA events for many years,” Bill Faflick, KSHSAA Executive Director, said in a news release. “We recognize that the events of two weeks ago have deeply affected many within our membership. Relocating this year’s championship event is a gesture of respect for those communities and all who continue to feel the impact of that tragedy.”
The sudden shift requires logistical adjustments for participating teams, families, and fans who had travel arrangements locked in for Wichita. Topeka will now absorb the entirety of the championship schedule.
Updated Championship Schedule in Topeka
All matches will take place on Saturday, November 7, at Hummer Sports Park across three different classifications.
- 8:30 a.m. – 6A Consolation Final
- 10:30 a.m. – 4-1A Consolation Final
- 12:30 p.m. – 5A Consolation Final
- 3 p.m. – 6A Championship Final
- 5 p.m. – 4-1A Championship Final
- 7 p.m. – 5A Championship Final
The condensed one-day slate brings contenders together on a single site to crown the state champions under altered circumstances.
BREAKING: The KSHSAA Boys State Soccer Championships have been relocated to Hummer Sports Park in Topeka.The November 7th schedule remains unchanged, with all six consolation and championship matches set to be played as originally scheduled.The move comes following the tragic… pic.twitter.com/L6yk3jyex2
