Aaron McCreight, executive director of the Casper Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, said the tournaments bring an estimated $5 million to $6 million into the community. He praised the hotels, restaurants and community organizations for their contributions.
"We especially thank the hundreds of volunteers who seek no recognition but who make these events a success," McCreight said. "Without their hard work the tournaments would not be successful."
The winning bid was awarded to Casper during the Wyoming High School Activities Association board of directors meeting in Casper yesterday.
Casper's bid was the only one discussed by the WHSAA board Tuesday afternoon. The city's proposal gave 100 percent of gate receipts to the WHSAA for each of the events in addition to a payment of $5,000 a year for 4 years and a $15,000 signing bonus. Several venues in Casper host the events, with the Casper Events Center being the main location for basketball, wrestling and volleyball. Casper College and several Natrona County schools host some of the events as well.
No bids were submitted to host the state speech culminating event. Ron Laird, head of WHSAA, said about 600 students will participate. The requirements include classrooms for the competitions, so a school would have to be shut down during the event.
Casper's event hosting begins in 2014 and runs through 2018. Lander will host the 2013 cross-country championships with Sheridan becoming the host next year. Golf tournaments will be at Thermopolis (1A) next year; Cody will host 2A next year. Rock Springs will host 4A this year and Laramie will host next year's tournament. Campbell County won the right to host the state tennis, girls swimming, boys swimming and indoor track tournaments. All gate proceeds will go to the association from both swimming events and 85 percent for the indoor track meets.
Other topics discussed at the meeting ranged from schools opting to have 6-man or 11-man football teams to rule changes on when practices can be scheduled for sports.
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