WOAY – The WVSSAC voted Wednesday by a 7-0 margin to award Charleston the right to remain host of the high school state baseball tournament.
Epling Stadium in Beckley was one of the finalists to host future tournaments, but lost to Appalachian Power Park, which has hosted states every year since opening in 2005.
The new contract covers the next three school years, and includes an option for a fourth.
Monongalia County Ballpark in Morgantown was expected to be a challenger to win the right to host, but did not submit a bid last week due to potential scheduling conflicts with West Virginia University and the West Virginia Black Bears. The weekend of the state tournament is typically the same weekend as NCAA Regionals; if WVU were to host a regional, it would’ve potentially created logistical issues.
The 2018 state tournament is scheduled for May 31 through June 2.