MVI Shootout Classic postponed
By the Mon Valley independent
Due to rising rates of COVID-19 in the area and school district protocols, a decision has been made to postpone or cancel the inaugural Mon Valley Independent Shootout Classic.
The decision came after consultation among tournament organizers Monday.
“We were unable to secure a venue due to COVID-19 protocols, which we understand,” MVI sports editor Jeremy Sellew said. “We want to err on the side of caution when it comes to holding a tournament with 10 teams from different districts entering a facility.
“We understand the decision made by school districts when it comes to holding off athletics while going fully remote, which is what the case was at Ringgold, where the event was supposed to be held. We’re still hoping these teams will take the opportunity and schedule games against each other for opening weekend.”
Efforts were made in the past few weeks to find another site.
A letter was sent Monday to participating teams to see if the event could be held at a later date or whether it would have to be postponed until next season.
“We spent a lot of time planning for the event, which we knew was going to be difficult to do during the COVID times,” Sellew said. “Regardless if it’s held later this season or at the beginning of next season, we know it’s going to be a top-notch event featuring 10 of our local teams.”
Teams scheduled to participate are Belle Vernon Area, Thomas Jefferson, McKeesport, Serra Catholic, Monessen, Charleroi, Ringgold, South Allegheny, Clairton and Elizabeth Forward.
“Teams may still be able to have single games over those two days, so we wanted to give them the opportunity to fill those spots,” Sellew added. “If games are held, we still plan on covering those games and possibly livestreaming or broadcasting them to bring them to fans that can’t be in attendance.”
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