Posted by: Mike Smith on November 1, 2008 9:53AM EST URL: http://yahoo.com Doesn't Thermopolis have a great weightroom? Maybe the players should be pushed to use it. “We got outmatched,” Thermopolis coach Greg Herold said. “We are not as fast as they are. We are not as big as they are. We are not as strong as they are. We got beat by a better football team and we got beat soundly.”

Posted by: joe bob on November 1, 2008 10:07AM EST Glenrock's bigger and stronger than most teams out there, so give thermop a break.

Posted by: NotAveJoe on November 1, 2008 11:17AM EST The quarterfinals are a joke. There used to be a time when football players that lost 6 of 8 games during the season understood that they weren't going to be playing in post season. Now, though, to protect their fragile self esteem, we send them out there against decent teams so that they have one more chance to get their clock cleaned. Yeah, Patrick, I guess you're right - that does set up great semi-final matches. Just like skipping the quarters and just scheduling semi-finals would.

Posted by: 2A Fan on November 1, 2008 12:52PM EST The best reason for the current playoff system is so that the State Championship games are good games. In the old days when there was only semi-finals the two best teams rarely met in the finals. There were a lot of good teams that didn't get to make the playoffs. I was on on two 7-1 teams that didn't get to make the playoffs and we were the only team to score on the eventual State Champs. Lost 8-6 one year and 6-0 the next.

Posted by: Matt on November 1, 2008 8:15PM EST I'm just going to go by what I saw in the 4A, because that is what I am most familar with. Cody destroyed Torrington and Douglas dominated Rawlins, at least a couple of the quarter-finals were jokes. Worland at Buffalo was expected, but the score wasn't as lopsided as the game. Buffalo pounded the ball on the ground. But the Powell Lander game is what makes me think we need quarterfinals.

Posted by: Ktown on November 2, 2008 11:30AM EST Kinda off topic, but I noticed that compared to the press coverage the UW game got, the state volleyball and playoff football got very little. I think that the Casper Star should give more coverage to the high school kids, especially during the state tournaments, playoffs and meets. and UW's football team hasn't seemed to up on getting Wyoming kids on the team, even walking on, so write more articles about the high school kids...that being said good job to the teams that won, and the teams that gave their all (ie Kemmerer volleyball) and good luck to the teams in the Semi's

Posted by: 2A on November 2, 2008 11:50AM EST NotAveJoe i do not agree with you that the quarterfinals are a joke if you look last year in 2A every game throughout the playoffs there wasn't a game that was more than a one possession game even in the quarterfinals. There were 8 teams in 2A last year that had a legit shot at winning the title. Sundance that year had beaten the number 1 and 2 seeds and was a 5th seed themselves

Posted by: murrykins on November 2, 2008 4:24PM EST Heres my picks and I'm gonna go with some upsets. Sheridan and Gillette, Cody and Powell, Glenrock and Kemmerrer, Big Horn and Wind River, Burlington and Southeast. Gillette and Powell, because they are improving so much every week, the Cougars because they can fill the gaps so quick on defense and can score on anybody. It could be a track meet. Southeast and Cokeville could be a great game but so could Burlington and Hulett. Don't know much about the big schools but if you read the Gillette paper their team is really confident and it seems like everyone in the state wants to see Kemmerrer go to Glenrock so I can go along with that. That being said I've probably jinxed all these teams but good luck to everyone anyway.

Posted by: Hitman on November 2, 2008 6:54PM EST URL: http://yahoo.com To any kemmerer fans after hearing about how mtn view played you guys i might have to change my thoughts of a route over glenrock..like i have said coach G can get his boys to play and it sounds like they did against a far better team, sounded like turn overs hurt them...good luck to the rangers...

Posted by: Matt on November 2, 2008 8:01PM EST A Cody Powell state championship in Cody would be a packed house. Overflow even. Would be intense.

Posted by: Hitman on November 2, 2008 9:27PM EST URL: http://yahoo.com can anyone enlighten me i heard that in the kemmerer mtn view game mtn view was pentlized several times for illeagl blocks and broke a kids leg,hope it is not true.

Posted by: wyofan58 on November 2, 2008 11:36PM EST Im not sure about the penalties but a kid did get his ankle broken in the mnt. view kemmerer game and hes done for the season

Posted by: lyeagle on November 2, 2008 11:56PM EST when we played mountain view all they did was chop block. the thing was the ref would never call it. someone really needs to look into this

Posted by: Coach G on November 3, 2008 10:04AM EST URL: http://po.uinta4.k12.wy.us First I'm sorry that the Kemmerer player got hurt, Coach Rogers and I talked about it after the game, we do not teach or coach to use the chop block it was one of those things when our guys were doubling teaming unfortunate one went high and the other low, were got penalized for it and I addressed it with our players after the play. As far as using it against Lyman, your front wasn't good enough that we would have to double team you.

Posted by: chop on November 3, 2008 10:26AM EST lyeagle- read the rule book, first contact can be low "cut/chop" whatever you call it! As long as the player is not engaged. It is a technique used by a ton of undersized lines in EVERY state and level of football. G and Rogers are class acts and they both know it is unfortunate but 100% not malicious in it's intent!

Posted by: Anonymous on November 3, 2008 10:33AM EST How bout them burns kids, 400 yds rushing kind of impressive if you ask me.

Posted by: sports fan on November 3, 2008 10:56AM EST Burns is the real deal, people each week keep picking them to have a tuff game and each week it is a blow out. This team has an outstanding "O" line which is athletic and very physical. This combined with a great runningback is a combination for great things. Every team left in the 2A playoffs are special teams in their own rights but Burns has that extra something.

Posted by: Kevin Williams on November 3, 2008 1:25PM EST Speaking of Burns, I read the quote today in the Star Tribune that even though Burns is in position to host the state championship game, Coach Fullmer is still an advocate of the championship weekend in Laramie. I believe that is commendable on his part to do what he thinks is best for all the teams in the state and putting it above any personal agenda on his part. If the WHSAA votes as it should, I look forward to having a chance to see all the great teams in the state play next year at one venue.

Posted by: Dave Buck on November 3, 2008 2:01PM EST URL: http://www.trib.com/articles/2008/11/03/news/wyoming/a9b16b3009ab6ac1872574f5002677b8.txt Here is the story Kevin is talking about. http://www.trib.com/articles/2008/11/03/news/wyoming/a9b16b3009ab6ac1872574f5002677b8.txt It was the main story on the front page of Monday's paper. --Dave Buck, CST sports reporter

Posted by: bigDaddy on November 3, 2008 2:04PM EST My prediction is that this proposal will be voted down by the schools (this time around anyway). I beleive they see it as an issue of all of the schools having to travel instead of half of the schools. Once again, right, wrong or indefferent it comes down to budgets and costs.

Posted by: lyards on November 3, 2008 3:07PM EST It is my understanding that travel costs for state culminating events are fully reimbursed by the state -government not WHSAA. (ie. fuel, driver wages, rooming, meals). It may take a fiscal year to get the money, but reimbursed non-the-less. Patrick, can you confirm or deny this?

Posted by: bigDaddy on November 3, 2008 3:24PM EST lyards - you may be correct, but regardless whoever has to pay for it will have a lot to do with the final decision and my thought is that entity will not want this to pass

Posted by: GoOrange on November 3, 2008 4:39PM EST Here we go.... from some of the predictions above... Cody vs. Powell IN LARAMIE Sheridan vs. Gillette IN LARAMIE That really makes a lot of sense... NOT! KEEP STATE CHAMPIONSHIP GAMES LOCAL!!!

Posted by: Barrel Man on November 3, 2008 4:59PM EST BigDaddy and GoOranange, You must be from kemmerer, Jackson, Cody, Powell, Evanston, Cokeville, or somewhere in the western part of the state. Those districts are the ones who voted no the first time. Why deny the student athetes the opportunity to play in great facility? Why deny the people in the state the opportunity to watch all five championship games? I dont understand the logic. Especially next year w/ a 6 man division, how many people will ever get the chance to watch a 6 man game. The university could schedule a pre-season basketball double header on saturday evening for all of the fans to see, since most will probably stay saturday night as well.

Posted by: Tiger62 on November 3, 2008 5:08PM EST For the Burns team, You guys are something real that for sure. Congratz on the season for the 8-0. Im hoping for a Lusk burns rematch for the championship and this time Chad Troutman will be back to run right up there with Petch. That should make the game closer than in week 8 and much more fun. But for now both teams need to focus on their next opponent. Does anyone else from Burns see a all east affair championship.

Posted by: kene on November 3, 2008 5:09PM EST I was sure this had already been decided and that in 2009 they would be at the WAR. We asked the kids in Burlington last year and they thought playing at UW would be VERY COOL but when asked about Casper not even one wanted to play there. the one question they asked was if they would get to see all the other games. I think we've all traveled to Laramie for less important things.

Posted by: bigDaddy on November 3, 2008 5:32PM EST Barrel Man - In my comments I'm not sure how you read into it that I was against it. I'm not from the west and as a matter of fact I think our school district would send the boys to play in Laramie down on Saturday morning. I don't care one way or the other, my personal preference would be that if my home town was in the game I would love to play at home, but I can also agree with the agrument that it would be nice to travel and see all 5 games at one location. My point was - regardless of who is paying the bill for the travel, they are not going to support this proposal, you have 10 teams potentially traveling instead of 5.

Posted by: Coach G on November 3, 2008 5:34PM EST URL: http://po.uinta4.k12.wy.us When this came out a couple of years ago I asked my team if they had the opportunity to play for a state championship at the War would they be in favor, you would have thought we had already made it. Why not do what the players want.

Posted by: Anonymous on November 3, 2008 7:25PM EST A true championship should be played on a netural site. Do we play a state championship basketball game in someone's home gym?

Posted by: Big orange fan on November 3, 2008 7:33PM EST The one issue I have with having the state championships at UW is the attendance for each of those games. I remember when the Shrine Game was at UW and with the size of the stadium (30,000 +) it looked like no one was there. Would it seem like that for the state championship games? Ten thousand fans at UW looks like an empty stadium to me. We will see.

Posted by: CGoe on November 3, 2008 8:38PM EST Barrel Man, curious where you are from? I'm from Jackson and my son was on the championship team last year. The game is a memory I will never forget, nor will the 5000 plus that attended. If we had played in Laramie, yes I would have made the trip as would many other players parents. But I honestly believe the non-player fans making the trip would have been in the low hundreds. That is a long trip from here, cost of fuel, meals, lodging, missing work/school, etc....What if the weather is bad and a team is unable to get to Laramie, what then? Many schools have natural playing surfaces, each team would need practice time on the turf of the War, how many extra days of school would the athletes miss for the trip to be prepared for game day? Keep the games in a high school setting. Could anyone honestly pick a spot in this state that would be "Netural"? Maybe once the teams are determined!!! I'm a huge football fan and honestly would love to see all the championship games, but do not agree with the 'WAR". Good Luck to all the teams that are still playing and safe highways to those that must travel.

Posted by: Dogie Gray on November 3, 2008 9:01PM EST Just thought I would inject a bit of unbiased opinion here. I have seen some comments about the cost to fans traveling. I have 3 kids, all of whom have been traveling for years for soccer, volleyball, softball, etc. I can't imagine the cost already accrued, & only one child is even to Middle School yet! So to me, the cost of traveling to Laramie for a (usually) once in a lifetime chance at a championship would be very negligible. South Dakota teams play at the "Dome" in Vermillion each year, & I believe it is a great success. I would have loved to play in a D-1 stadium as a high schooler! Aren't all volleyball, B-ball, swimming, wrestling, etc.. championships (including just conference tourneys?) played at neutral sites, over several days? to me, this is a non-issue. Take advantage of this great facility we have in our state, & loosen up a bit!

Posted by: Stay home on November 3, 2008 9:28PM EST I am currently a high school football player in class 4a. I honestly believe that if you move the game to war memorial it takes away from the overall expeiernce. It is awesome to play under the lights every friday night in your own backyard. It is the greatest feeling to be able to stay at home and play with the largest crowds possible.... i was at the game in jackson last year. It was a truely awesome atmosphere and don't understand why anyone would want to change that... why should wyoming change to seem similar to south dakota? Or any other state? Home field hasn't seem to play that crucial of a role in 4a for the last 4 years. The Ratio of the home winning team is only 2/2. Everyone is being pretty dramatic.. Also ask your self if the games were in the west this year would you still be bloging about something your not even a part of?

Posted by: gtown on November 3, 2008 9:39PM EST Cgoe: I am not trying to argue against you or anything because I understand your reasoning completely with travel etc. it makes sense what your saying. But I don't think kids need to have extra practice time on the turf. Plenty of teams travel to Natrona and now Sheridan to play on the turf and do perfectly fine.

Posted by: mike smith on November 3, 2008 10:08PM EST URL: http://yahoo.com After reading Coach Fullmers comments, it makes me wonder what his vote was a year ago. Those votes should be made public by the WHSAA to see if those reps are really going with what their area wants. We are looking at some great games this weekend. Not being involved with class 4A, I think Cody-Buffalo is going to be a good one. But, I am booking my room in Douglas for a rematch with Buffalo.

Posted by: CGoe on November 3, 2008 10:50PM EST gtown: Thanks for your comment. Not ever having had the chance to play on either I wouldn't know, was just thinking it would be different.

Posted by: 3a fan on November 3, 2008 11:02PM EST All of you out there stating that the stadium would be empty of 20,000 seat are right, but does it really matter, Class 5A in Colorado plays their championship at Mile high. It seats 70,000 give or take and it is probably only full to the tune of 15,000 people. What a stupid argument. Lets do what is best for the kids. Play the game at the War.

Posted by: Big Orange fan on November 3, 2008 11:46PM EST I don't think it is a stupid argument at all and we don't have to do what other states do (ie, CO). I'm not convinced playing at the War is what's best for kids. Having an opportunity to play at your home stadium, filled to the brim with fans of both schools, cheering their team on so the players can actually hear them. Awesome atmosphere. Don't think you can duplicate that at a 30,000 seat stadium with maybe 10,000 fans spread out all over the place. Can't see it.

Posted by: 1afan on November 4, 2008 1:04AM EST Earlier blogs were complaining about field conditions in several of the 3a home fields and how the games needed to be moved for player safty.How many of the detractors of playing the state championships in War have seen some of the home fields in this state now granted both teams will play on the same field but some of the lights used in the night games are inadaquit.ie passes go though the aur looking as if there lit by strobes.Rather hard to find the ball unless you have praticedon it for a while.Bare spots in the grass.poorly groomed,crooked goal lines,all taking a toll on the quality of the championship experiance.This is what the players have to endure,the fans have to contend with very few services in the smaller towns.Ie few resterants most close early few motels some not being able to house the players much less the fans.Then theres the bleachers or lack of them,Granted all these things cost money and are not needed on a week to week basis but theses young men playing the game are champions and people should reconize this and make every effort to make this once in a life time experiance as safe and comfortable as possible for both the player and the fan.Lets use the best facility in the state for the best athletes in the state

Posted by: mike smith on November 4, 2008 8:37AM EST URL: http://yahoo.com I think only 3-4 states (Georgia, Montana, Wyoming, and possibly California) do not have one site for the championship games. All reasons to not have the games in one site have been thrown out. Now, one reason to have it hosted at one site. FOR KIDS!!!! And as 3Afan stated that Colorado has the championship in Mile High with 55,000 empty seats. Let's start playing the state basketball tournament at home sites and see all the gym rats complain.

Posted by: Kevin Williams on November 4, 2008 9:24AM EST Jackson to Torrington or Torrington to Jackson? Evanston to Gillette or Gillette to Evanston? Upton to Cokevile or Cokeville to Upton? Rocky Mountain to Burns or Burns to Rocky Mountain? Sounds like a lot of travel to me...maybe even more than going to Laramie.

Posted by: Hitman on November 4, 2008 9:37AM EST URL: http://yahoo.com For those of talking about games held at mile high, they close off certain sections so at the war they could close off the top levels...why is it we can play all other championships on neutral fields but not football, if you are a true supporter of your team you would travel to support them, I would like to know of the 5,000 that attended the Jackson game last year how many went to games this year or do they just show up when they are in the big game

Posted by: bigDaddy on November 4, 2008 11:03AM EST Kevin Williams - in your 4 examples, instead of 4 teams averaging 492 miles, 8 teams would travel an average of 272 miles. if you do the math there would be 208 additional miles traveled. even a more extreme example, if Cody plays Powell, instead of 1 team traveling 24 miles the 2 together would travel 800

Posted by: fishmaster on November 4, 2008 11:19AM EST If it is for the kids.....what about the big time experience that most of them would love? There have been examples in here from other states. Here is another one: my brother's team played in the Championship in Lincoln, NE. The kids dream of going to play at Memorial stadium. No, the stands are not full, but ALL of the kids have that amazing experience to talk about for a long time. For the western NE teams, that is as far or farther trip, and they would LOVE to go. In our own state, how many times do we drive by the big pizza hut on the hill in Casper and start to hope and pray that we can get there for basketball, volleyball, wrestling, etc.....???? It IS a BIG deal that kids "go to state". It is not as big of deal to host a game at home. That has it's advantages and good things as well, but it is not as BIG OF DEAL as going to UW.

Posted by: The War on November 4, 2008 11:26AM EST This is a no brainer. If the games can be played at the War, do it! We have hosted championship games and when I ask my kid where he wants to play, it is hands down the War. What an experience for the kids and fans and to get to see other teams play to boot. Travel is simply part of Wyoming athletics so whining about that or the cost is a waste of time. We all travel to sights 300+ miles for a regular game. The field conditions of some schools is another reason to play the games at the War. Maybe some of it is because I was born and raised a Cowboy fan and raised my kids to be Cowboy fans, but that would truly be a dream to watch your kid's championship game at UW.

Posted by: BroncFan on November 4, 2008 11:31AM EST Coach Fullmer has been pushing for the state championships in Laramie for as long as it has been an issue. The kids from Burns were also excited to have the chance to play at the War.

Posted by: Kevin Williams on November 4, 2008 11:45AM EST bigDaddy: Sorry about my failings in math...probably why I flunked out of Colorado School of Mines. I was just making a point that travel is a part of every activity in Wyoming and long distances are the rule more often than the exception.

Posted by: cowboyingeorgia on November 4, 2008 12:00PM EST Is the Petch boy from Burns Rowdy's son? If so this boys dad was one heck of a runnning back in High School, go Coach Fullmer, lover to see those Lingle boys excel.

Posted by: BroncFan on November 4, 2008 1:01PM EST Yes he is Rowdy's son. Heck of an athlete and even a better kid. His little brother Dalton is going to be a good one also.

Posted by: Survey man on November 4, 2008 2:14PM EST I am curious. If you have blogged on this site, please state whether you have played on a state championship team, or in recent years, your home town has hosted. I want to make sure that you have experienced that feeling. We've hosted and the feeling is FANTASTIC!

Posted by: ramfan on November 4, 2008 2:19PM EST I just heard that the Sheridan game is going to be on TV this Saturday. Can anyone confirm this. A Casper station may carry it. Thought I would pass this on.

Posted by: bigDaddy on November 4, 2008 2:28PM EST Kevin - my goodness man, I did not question your math prowess, I was only putting numbers to your examples. You are exactly correct, travel is a part of all Wyoming sports, but my point is still this. Somebody foots the bill and whoever that entity is, is going to be against this proposal, they are not going to look too see if it is right or wrong or at what's best for the kids, they are going to see paying for transportation, lodging and meals for 10 teams instead of 5 Survey Man - my team has played in 4 state championship games in the last 8 years won 2 lost 2. None have been played at home

Posted by: broncjh on November 4, 2008 2:38PM EST Hitman- I have been to every jackson game for the past 4 years, and attendance is up and down. Last year we had a magical season and everyone wanted to be a part of it. This year started ganbusters as we were winning, by the end minimal at best. the hosting of a championship game was amazing for jh and especially jh football. I still say play at UW, even if the team's fans are diminished the stands will be full of REAL FOOTBALL FANS!

Posted by: Roy on November 4, 2008 4:13PM EST Survey man, I actually coached in a different state (AZ) that had their championship football games in a big stadium (Sun Devil Stadium capacity 71706). I was also part of a state championship back when I was in high school on the opposing teams field, and have been to numerous state championships at various home fields. I can tell you that the feeling of winning or losing is no different no matter where you play. However, the EXPERIENCE of playing at a huge venue is second to none. The kids love the thought of playing in a stadium. For most of them it is a once in a lifetime opportunity. Most of them would relish the idea of playing at the War. I would bet that if you took a poll of all the kids who play football, that they would love to play on the turf in Laramie. Those who argue that the stands would seem empty are clutching at straws. There would actually be more fans since all of the classifications would be there, hence more potential patrons. Send the games to Laramie and give the kids a memory they will never forget.

Posted by: The War on November 4, 2008 4:20PM EST We hosted the state championship game last year and it was great fun, like all big games on your home field or court, but playing a state championship in the War would be even bigger in my view. It takes things to the next level. There is a different feeling when you play a regional championship game on your home court and when you actually get on the floor of the Casper event's center. I think it would be the same at the War. When you get there, you really appreciate that you are where only a few fortunate teams have gotten.

Posted by: Barrel Man on November 4, 2008 4:39PM EST Breaking News http://www.casperstartribune.net/articles/2008/11/04/news/breaking/doc4910bce67164e084997514.txt

Posted by: survey man on November 4, 2008 4:43PM EST Don't get me wrong. I don't have a strong opinion either way. I am just saying that hosting a championship game is electrifying for a community. bigDaddy it sounds like you've been fortunate to see some great games. I guess I am not a "die hard" fan. I don't know if I would drive 300 miles to watch games that my child is not participating in, especially if I have to drive through snow and ice but I know there are people who would. Doing the math though, say there are 10 teams. Average of 50 players on each team. (Average because 1A will have fewer than 5A) Each player has a family and friend base of 10 people (low I know but lets just consider really good friends). Then add the fans on this site that would love to see it happen...Approximately 5075 people would be sitting on the cold bleachers in Laramie WY in the middle of November. There would be plenty of room to stretch and maybe even nap between games.

Posted by: bigDaddy on November 4, 2008 5:05PM EST Survey Man - I have been fortunte to watch sons and nephews play in the "big" game and don't get me wrong, I like points on both sides of this argument. But lets look at more numbers - if you use your numbers of 50 players per team 10 teams = 500 players, managers, bus drivers and coaches that is about 150 hotel rooms @ $75 each = $11,250 now add 3 meals @ $8 each = $12,000. We are approaching $25,000 and haven't added fuel or bus driver cost. Whatever entity picks up this bill is going to say it's twice what it "has" to be. Again, don't beat me up, I am just making the point that I don't think it will pass based on budgets.

Posted by: bigDaddy on November 4, 2008 5:08PM EST Well color me red in the face, I just read the article from the link posted above and they did pass it on a "trial basis" Still fun to discuss though

Posted by: survey man on November 4, 2008 5:10PM EST It will be a cold day in November before we see the Championship games in Laramie...See Wednesday's Star-Tribune for more on this story. The Wyoming High School Activities Association board of directors voted 10-7 Tuesday to move all state football championship games to Laramie and the University of Wyoming's War Memorial Stadium on a one-year trial basis starting with the 2009 season.

Posted by: GoOrange on November 4, 2008 6:56PM EST I played in a state championship game on the road... wouldn't trade that day for anything. And, it wouldn't have been as nearly as cool playing at a neutral site.

Posted by: Bison Fan on November 5, 2008 1:26AM EST I traveled from Buffalo to Jackson to watch the 2007 4A Title Game. It was an unbelieveable experience for my son, his team mates, and our fans. I am still hopeful that the Bison will host this year, with a little help from Powell (oh and we have to be very good against Cody), but I am all for watching the 5 title games at the War.

Posted by: sports fan on November 5, 2008 10:06AM EST Wyoming needs to get up to date with the rest of the nation. I think that there is good reason there is only 4 states who still hold their championship games at home fields instead of at the states big facilities. The chance for a Wyoming high school football player to ever set foot on the turf at the War is very slim. This is an oppurtunity for anyone playing or watching the championship games to have a once in a lifetime experience.

Posted by: Hitman on November 5, 2008 10:22AM EST URL: http://yahoo.com broncjh...That is what I'm saying a true fan will travel to laramie to see their team and all the others i know i will be there in 2009

Posted by: ramfan on November 5, 2008 10:34AM EST I am afraid that you folks have the grand illusion of some caravan of cars headed down the highway following a bus much like the movie "Hoosiers". I just don't get it! I can't envision the stadium being packed on game day and the players thinking this could be the best day of my high school career. There will be a handful of hard core fans that makes the trip but are there that many? Just look at attendance at the Pokes games. (A little over 11,000 this last game) If all these fans wanted to watch football on a Saturday afternoon in Wyoming, the opportunity is there. But do they? Take away the student body, and you don't have that many people. What I do see is the opportunity for young high school kids getting behind the wheel to attend these games and that of course increases the risk of potential accidents. The added expense is another issue. bigDaddy and Survey man make some very good points. I don't see very many people stating if they have played in, or if their community has hosted a state event. I can understand the basketball and volley ball being played in a larger venue. Most small schools and even some larger ones couldn't handle more than a few hundred fans but football fields are different. A couple years ago I attended the championship game at Tongue River. Very small town with minimal grandstand seating but what a great atmosphere. The same when we hosted last year. I think on November 15, 2009, the WHSAA will ask...What have we done?

Posted by: JS96 on November 5, 2008 11:16AM EST I am againt the War Memorial for state title games, no reason except that there is NOTHING that matches the feeling of playing in your hometown. You play and practice your whole life to play for your town, and it is rewarding to the town that has supported or watched you grow as a man and a player to witness you play for a state title. The whole town comes together and in these crazy times in the world, nothing can match that feeling. The week of the title game is unmatched, it seems like everything youve worked for comes into focus, it was such a sight to see fans park their vehicles at the top of " The Pit" a week before the game, and to reward the fans and parents with a title game in their hometwn is amazing. The fans in Kemmerer went through many bad seasons and for them to be rewarded is great. I'm not against the " War" title games, but the hometown allure is sweet. After you win in your hometown you drive through town with people cheering in the streets, and then a victory rally on Main Street is really special. Go Rangers!!

Posted by: sports fan on November 5, 2008 11:19AM EST I know the bloggers on this thread have been to Capser for state basketball and state wrestling. The event center is always packed. People are more then willing to travel the distance to see these culminating events. I can not believe people would honestly beleive that becaues the game is Laramie instead of Big Horn no one will go, I do not think so. Student athletes who get to move onto the college stage (D1) is few and student athletes from Wyoming who get to move onto the college stage (D1) is even less. This is an opportunity for kids to be able to tell their family about the time they played in the state title game at the "War". The next thing is the facilites at small schools are not equiped to hold an event such as a state title game. The majority of the small school fields have tiny stands which seat only a handful. For example the visitors stands in Big Horn. To see the game you must stand along the rope fence and walk the field, then if you are lucky enough to see through the visiting teams players on the side line then you are lucky enough to see bits and peices of the game. Great place and atmosphere for regular season games but lousy for games with large number of fans. This should be a great experience for the players and the family and fans.

Posted by: sports fan on November 5, 2008 11:24AM EST JS96, You make some great points but my question to you is "shouldn't both teams competing in the championship get to enjoy the same wonderful feelings the home team does?" Both teams practice and play equally hard, both communities deserve to be rewarded.

Posted by: sports fan on November 5, 2008 11:36AM EST Does anybody know how WHSSA is going to decide where championship games are played? I know next year at the "war" but after next year if it does not work out. Now that they are going to do away with power rankings and do a cross bracket playoff between confrences. Are they going to rotate it from on confrence to the other? This is a bad practice when you have teams who are undefeated having to travel across state to a 3 loss team. This is not going to work either.

Posted by: JS96 on November 5, 2008 2:26PM EST sports fan, i see what you're saying. That can never happen where each team is happy in my mind, even if there is a neutral site. We had our home title game in 93, and then we had to travel the next year. We had to play Thermop in 94 in their house, and it was equally gratifying to win in front of their home crowd, almost more of an accomplishment then winning at home. A neutral site would give each team a good feeling though, i agree with you, but I would rather play an away title game instead of not being in the title game at all.

Posted by: Mike Smith on November 5, 2008 4:03PM EST URL: http://yahoo.com The WAR is on, LIKE IT OR NOT.

Posted by: outsider on November 5, 2008 4:34PM EST The whsaa has no backbone and tries to make everyone happy. Make the decision and move on. They made the decision and move on. Sometimes we place ourselve in a bottle and never experience what others may have been doing or saying. I will tell you one thing playing at one venue can be awesome.

Posted by: Been There on November 6, 2008 12:42AM EST Sundance won the 2A state championship IN Sundance in 2005. As a parent, it meant the world to me. Those kids earned that home field advantage. It was wonderful for them to be able to share their first ever state championship with ALL the fans.

Posted by: Mike Smith on November 6, 2008 8:48AM EST URL: http://yahoo.com I bet the group you had in 2005 would have loved the opportunity of playing in Laramie. Maybe the WHSAA should have had players vote on this issue. Or maybe we are sick of landslide votes, because the kids want to play there.

Posted by: powderpro on November 6, 2008 11:01AM EST Sports fan, I agree with your thoughts on War Memorial being a better venue for championship games, but there is no need to single out Big Horn's facility as an example, it is one of the finest settings in the state to play football and the football field is all grass. A new school is in the process and the chances of a synthetic field are very good. As far as the stands, Big Horn brought in extra for last year's championship game.

Posted by: Roy on November 6, 2008 11:34AM EST "Been There", so what you are saying is that the team that had to travel to Sundance in '05 did not work hard enough to win home field? Let me ask you this, if two teams that are both 8-0 at the end of the season get through the playoffs to meet for the championship, who "earned" the right to home field advantage? This could happen this year with Glenrock and Kemmerer, and Glenrock will host. Does that mean that the Rangers didn't work as hard or harder. No. It only means that they are on the wrong side of the state to host. Another advantage that having all the games at one sight that is being forgotten is that some athletes who would not be recognized by college scouts have that opportunity. Now the kid from a small school may actually be seen by a college scout who came to watch a big school player. It happens all the time in other states. Since ALL the athletes are at the same venue, that diamond in the rough that so many fans in Wyoming thinks gets overlooked may actually get a chance to go on to a college program. But if that player is tucked away at a small field in the middle of nowhere, while the scout is in Casper, Cheyenne, etc. then who will see him play except Mom and Dad and the locals.

Posted by: CGOE on November 6, 2008 12:20PM EST "Roy", You bring up a positive to all games being in one location. I spoke earlier against the move to the War for various reasons but over looked the college scouts getting to see everyone. What a great opportunity for the young men of Wyoming High Schools. Since UW isn't generally giving many Wyoming players football scholarships, the D2 & NAIA scouts can have a full day of watching the talent of many athletes. My son is currently red shirting at Carroll College in Helena, MT and looking forward to playing next year. If one young man gets the same opportunity because the games are at the War, bring it on!!!!!

Posted by: sports fan on November 6, 2008 1:12PM EST Powderpro, It was not my intention to dog a single team but wanted to set an example for those who have never been to a 1A or 2A field. Its not just Big Horn it is a bunch of 1A and 2A schools across the state. THe facilities at these fields are not designed for over flow crowds. When people pull vehicle as close to the field as they can and have to sit on top of vehicles to watch the game then the facility is not equiped to hold an event like this. Why not put it in a venue where the kids will get a once in a life time chance to play and all fans, family, and friends get the chance to enjoy and take part in the experience.

Posted by: Been There on November 6, 2008 2:27PM EST I don't know whether the team would have preferred to play in Laramie or not. I was just voicing my own opinion as a parent. Maybe some from that team will see this and voice their opinion. I didn't mean to imply that other teams don't "work" to earn their home field advantage. I only know about what the kids here did. The WHSAA has a plan in place to determine home field(like it or not). I feel that home field is an advantage and I have expressed my opinion that I would like to keep it that way rather than play all games at Laramie. I agree that there are pros and cons to both sides and I think the exposure issue is a very valid one. However, a players stats are readily available and if a kid is good enough to be recruited the scouts should already be on top of it and seeing that player in the last game of his HS career is just going to be a bonus. He may have a lousy game, who knows? I have decided that if you want to play college sports and you are from Wyoming, you need to be proactive in getting your information to the people that matter. Sports Fan: Most of the people that pull their vehicles to the field and sit on them do so at every game, not just the playoffs. It is a tradition in many small schools. Most bigger schools do not allow this. By the way, this is a great topic. It will be interesting to see how everything plays out next year.

Posted by: powderpro on November 6, 2008 4:22PM EST Sports fan, thanks for clarifying, have a good day.

Posted by: Been there - on both sides on November 6, 2008 4:26PM EST What a discussion! You'd think nothing else was going on this week besides high school football... I've played in state championship games at home (in football), and at a central venue (basketball). Let me tell you ... both were memorable and rewarding. I'll never forget the impromptu parades that happened after winning a state title at home; but I'll also never forget the comraderie of spending time with teammates and coaches on the road at a state event. I think that some of us are missing the point - these games were memorable because they were state championship games - not because of where they were played. Whichever game you're lucky enough to watch this weekend ... enjoy the atmosphere, and soak it up. The scene and atmosphere are created because of our kids and the game being played, not the venue.

Posted by: Football Player on November 6, 2008 4:28PM EST Well its the same thing over and over...people bring up pro and cons of moving to the war. The WHSAA has made their choice on moving it there next year for a trial year. Personally I dont like the idea of moving the championship game to the war for some reason but on the other hand it would be fun to be able to watch all 5 games. So no matter what anyone has to say on the matter, it is going to happen next year. If it is such a big deal to someone then why dont they try it next year and then give their opinion because we know what you have to say about it this year.....Give it a try, it cant hurt.

Posted by: Mike Smith on November 6, 2008 4:34PM EST URL: http://yahoo.com UW is not like Casper during other State events in that they are not charging for facilities. UW wants the concessions. The WHSAA could charge for parking (but will probably not), and charge at the gate. Who in their right mind wouldn't pay $20 to watch 5 Championship football games. Casper, Riverton, etc. wanted this bid out. Does the Events Center or Casper College let us use facilities at no cost?

Posted by: ramfan on November 6, 2008 10:08PM EST Powderpro, I don't think the board members of SCSD#1 is aware of the possibility of a synthetic field. I guess its OK to dream but Sue may have something else to say. LOL Good luck this weekend. Your son has done well this season. You should be very proud.

Posted by: fcs_guru on November 7, 2008 12:33PM EST It shouldn't matter to much where the games are played. As i have always said in my playing days we will take on anyone anywhere. just give us the time and we will play. so no matter where the state championship games are who cares just let the kids play. If they are the better team they can show it when they play.

Posted by: powderpro on November 7, 2008 6:03PM EST ram fan, thanks.