Will Sioux Falls host most SDHSAA tournaments? - KOTA Territory News

Will Sioux Falls host most SDHSAA tournaments?

"It would be very detrimental to the entire community," says Michelle Lintz, Executive Director of the Rapid City Visitors and Convention Bureau.

That's the fear and concern over what may happen if the Sioux Falls Sports Authority gets it's way.

"It's not good for the kids, it's not good for the schools, it's not good for the economy," said Shelly Wolfe, Rapid City Central volleyball head coach.

Sioux falls organizers want all future South Dakota high school tournaments, permantly held in Sioux Falls.

And their newest bargaining chip is the Sioux Falls Events Center, scheduled to open in 2014.

"And I'm thinking oh my goodness if you're looking at just the opportunity of being host in a brand new facility versus everything we have in Rapid City and the Black Hills for people to do and see after the tournaments, you can't even compare that," said Lintz.

Rapid City's lack of proximity to many east river schools actually make Rapid City held tournaments more costly.

"The South Dakota High School Athletic Association will reimburse costs to teams. And of course there's more school districts East River than West River," said Rapid City Schools Superintendent Dr. Tim Mitchell.

If the dollars and cents line up in Sioux Falls favor, KOTA Territory could lose out.

"To be able to get your city and your town all rolled up and watch the state boys basketball tournament is huge for this area. Not necessarily in the money factory, but it's a pride factor," said Mike Purcell, Rapid City Central boys basketball head coach.

And then there's the added stress that coaches say comes with traveling.

"I think when you put the pressure and the stress of travel on just a few teams, it just doesn't make sense to me," said Wolfe.