In a couple of weeks, USD 250 will host the Kansas 5A Regional Wrestling tournament. More than 200 wrestlers from 18 different 5A schools from across the East side of the State. The tournament begins on Friday, February 16, and will continue through the weekend. “It is a huge honor to be hosting this tournament in Pittsburg,” PHS Activities Director, Jeff Staley said. “It really is a reflection on the City of Pittsburg, our community and our school district that we were chosen to host here, it means other schools enjoy coming to our town and facilities.” Staley also pointed out that for some, this may be their first and possibly only time ever coming to Pittsburg, making it important to make a good impression. “The support in our community is phenomenal,” Staley said. “It is not only an undertaking on our facilities, it affects our whole community when we have a large event like this. We recognize and extremely appreciate how supportive the community of Pittsburg is when we have great opportunities like this for our students.” The event is such a big deal that USD 250 has cancelled classes throughout the entire district during the tournament so that it can focus on being a gracious and accommodating host to the competitors and fans. Pittsburg is no stranger to such large events. USD 250 and Pittsburg State have both played host to several large sporting events in the past. These events can create a buzz, but what is their economic impact on the community? Hosting any event will bolster cashflow for restaurants and gas stations and other businesses may also see an uptick in sales, but Chris Wilson, marketing & communications manager for Explore Crawford County, points out that with high school sporting events, there are some additional short-term and long-term benefits that can’t be overlooked. “When it comes to events with kids and especially high school students, these are potential students for Pittsburg State – potential renters, employees and customers short term, and investors, entrepreneurs and donors long term,” Wilson said. “For those visiting families, it’s an opportunity for them to see our community firsthand and see why we choose live here.” Although state and national events get more attention, Wilson said conference and regional sporting events, like the upcoming wrestling tourney, usually bring in more participants, especially for indoor and outdoor track & field competitions.
Source: Morning Sun
