FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: JOEL STEPHENS INVITATIONAL SET FOR JULY 4th WEEKEND – SEVEN AREA TEAMS HIGHLIGHT FIELD
MANSFIELD – The seventh annual Joel Stephens Invitational Tournament, hosted by Mansfield University, will take place Thursday, June 30 through Monday, July 4.
Founded in 1998 to honor the memory of Joel Stephens and other players from the Twin Tiers, the tournament’s reputation as one of the top senior level tournaments in the Northeast continues to grow.
The 16-team field features seven Twin Tiers teams competing against squads from Pennsylvania, New York, Ohio and Canada. Conneaut Legion Post 151 will be the first U.S. based team from outside New York and Pennsylvania in the tournament’s history.
Games will be played at three sites; MU’s Shaute Field, Kelly Field located in Smythe Park, Mansfield, and Williamson H.S.
“Our motto is ‘For the Love of the Game,’” Ron Stephens, Joel’s father, said. “Our goal has always been that this be a player’s tournament. We strive to make 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. Last year more that $4,000 was donated to several causes including the Josh Palmer Fund, The Star Wish Foundation, Joel’s Kids and Special Olympics.
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.
“The support and generosity of area businesses, organizations and individuals is what makes this tournament possible,” Stephens said. “Citizens & Northern Bank and Northern Tier Athletics are once again our presenting sponsors and we owe them a special thank you. We also owe a debt of gratitude to all the people who volunteer their time on a holiday weekend to make the tournament happen.”
The Joel Stephens Invitational features four divisions. Each division winner advances to the semifinal to compete for the Joel Stephens Trophy on Monday, July 4. The four division runner-ups will compete for the Josh Palmer Fund Trophy.
The official opening ceremonies will take place on Saturday, July 2, 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 Minnesota Twins tryout will be held at Shaute Field on Friday, July 1 at 9 a.m. It is open to players ages 15 and older. American Legion players will need a release from their team to participate. 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.