The Kansas Class 6A, 5A and 4-1A boys state soccer championships are being relocated to Topeka’s Hummer Sports Park after a recent incident that left two people dead and several injured in Wichita.
The KSHSAA made the announcement on Thursday and KSNT-TV in Topeka reported it.
Three consolation matches and three championship matches are scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 7.
KSHSAA staff said the relocation comes after a tragedy at Stryker Sports Complex in Wichita on Oct. 17.
Wichita police reported that a driver in a pickup truck drove through a soccer game at the complex, leading to the deaths of Cole Adrian, 6, and Nicholas Schafer, 35.
Multiple other people were injured as a result of this incident.
“Larry Inlow and his team at Stryker, along with Josh Howell and Visit Wichita, have been outstanding hosts for KSHSAA events for many years,” said Bill Faflick, KSHSAA executive director.
“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.”
Since 2003, Hummer Sports Park has hosted the KSHSAA Boys State Soccer Championship more than 20 times.
The championship schedule will remain the same, according to the KSHSAA.
• 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
• 5 p.m. 4-1A championship
• 7 p.m. 5A championship
