FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: JOEL STEPHENS INVITATIONAL SET FOR JULY2-5 – SEVEN AREA TEAMS HIGHLIGHT FIELD
MANSFIELD – The sixth annual Joel Stephens Invitational Tournament, hosted by Mansfield University, will take place Friday, July 2 through Monday, July 5.
Founded in 1998 to honor the memory of Joel Stephens and other players from the Twin Tiers, the tournament has developed into one of the top senior level tournaments in the Northeast.
“We are committed to this being a ‘player’s tournament,’” Ron Stephens, Joel’s father, said. “Making the participants feel as special as the people the tournament honors. We also want to help people, as Joel always tried to do, by supporting charities, great causes and people in need.”
All money raised by the tournament benefits the Joel Stephens Foundation, which supports several charities including the Josh Palmer Fund, Joel’s Kids and the Star Wish Foundation.
Admission to all tournament games is free. The Joel Stephens Invitational depends on entry fees, donations, raffles, merchandise sales, and program ad sales to generate revenue.
“We wouldn’t be able to do this without the generosity and support of so many great people and businesses in the Twin Tiers,” Stephens said. “This year we owe a special thank you to Citizens & Northern Bank and Northern Tier Athletics, who have stepped up as primary sponsors of the tournament.”
The 16-team field, featuring seven Twin Tiers teams competing against squads from Pennsylvania, New York and Canada will be played at three sites; MU’s Shaute Field, Kelly Field located in Smythe Park, Mansfield, and Williamson H.S.
The tournament features four divisions. Each division winner advances to the semifinal to compete for the Joel Stephens Trophy on Monday, July 5. The four division runner-ups will compete for the Josh Palmer Fund Trophy.
The official opening ceremonies will take place on Saturday, July 3, at 2 p.m. at Shaute Field and feature the parade of teams, as well as special presentations and a tribute to Joel Stephens.
Also as part of the tournament, a Florida Marlins tryout will be held at Shaute Field on Friday, July 2 at 9 a.m. Players ages 16-25 are invited. There is no charge. Registration starts at 8:45 a.m. For more information on the tryout call (570) 662-4457.
For a full tournament schedule and other information click here.