Panther Valley Site Change "Misunderstanding"

In today's Republican, Sam Matta explains the "misunderstanding" that took place with the site change from Panther Valley to Blue Mountain. It appears the matter was never approved by the school board at Panther Valley. Once again here is red tape at it's finest. It seems every year especially in football and basketball the tournaments are conducted like a first time venture. Districts know in the beginning of each season if they will host a playoff for any class level. School board permissions should be received September 30th at the latest to clear up any confusion. Basketball sites should be approved by January 30th. If you talk to the PIAA, they will say this is a district problem. The districts will say their hands are tied by the PIAA.

As a taxpayer of the Shamokin Area School District, I have been lucky to witness many state playoff games in football and basketball. If your counting here are some of the benefits of hosting a playoff game:

1.) You get to showcase your community. (Exception: fans reaction to Patriot reporter Nick Horvath in 1996.)

2.) Your boosters who run the concession stands benefit. Shamokin has two stands. One is run by the football boosters and the other by the band boosters.

3.) Local businesses stand to gain with the extra people visiting.

In the end look at the big picture. Over the years Southern Columbia and Mount Carmel have more playoff wins at Kemp Memorial than Shamokin Area. I will go on the record and say that no one does a better job hosting a playoff game than the community of the greater Shamokin Area.