Story by Samantha Geisler – Sports and Events Marketing Specialist
(North Platte, Nebraska, April 8th, 2021) – The Nebraska School Activities Association listened to proposals from 7 communities in Nebraska on Thursday, April 8th, and decided in an 8-0 vote to award the community of North Platte the Class D Boys High School State Golf Championship for the years 2022, 2023, and 2024.
Samantha Geisler, Sports & Events Marketing Specialist for the North Platte Area Sports Commission, a division of the North Platte/Lincoln County Visitors Bureau, submitted a proposal online in March to the NSAA Board of Directors, recommending both Lake Maloney Golf Course and Rivers Edge Golf Course for the Championship Host site for the next three years. On Thursday, April 8th, she and Executive Director, Lisa Burke, traveled to Lincoln to present the community of North Platte.
“North Platte is fortunate to boast 2 high-quality, 18-hole golf courses. Both in which have a passion for the sport, driving tourism to North Platte, and to our youth.” says Geisler. Both courses have hosted numerous District and State Championship events for the last 15 years. “I believe the North Platte was awarded the event back due to the experience of hosting this event, our courses and community support, and the enthusiasm and professionalism of our volunteers.” The NSAA Board of Directors selected Lake Maloney Golf Course to be the host for 2022, while 2023 and 2024 will remain undetermined at this time.
An average of 100 competitors competes in the Class D High School State Championship Tournament. Class D, which is comprised of the smallest schools within the boys’ golf programs, many located in out-state Nebraska, traditionally travels very well. Many fans, friends and family make the trip to North Platte to watch the 2-day competition. The North Platte Area Sports Commission estimates that this 2-day event will bring an economic impact of $70,605 to the community through lodging, retail, food, and beverage purchases. The Sports Commission developed this estimate by using the Event Impact Calculator developed by Destinations International provided by membership in the national organization Sports ETA: Sports Events and Tourism Association.
Lisa Burke, Executive Director of the Visitors Bureau said, “This tournament kicks off at the perfect time of year, when the peak summer travel season is just beginning. Attracting hundreds of additional visitors to our community, for two or three days in May, benefits our retail shops, service stations, restaurants and lodging. The money the visitors spend is re-spent a number of times throughout North Platte, benefiting the entire community.”
In addition to the award of the Class D championship to North Platte, the NSAA awarded Class A to Norfolk and Class B to Scottsbluff/Gering, and Class C to Columbus.
North Platte will host the 2021 Class D State Championship Tournament on May 25th and 26th at Lake Maloney Golf Club.