FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 2006 Joel Stephens Invitational Set -- Williamson High School Honors Joel Stephens
MANSFIELD – The eighth annual Joel Stephens Invitational Tournament, presented by Citizen’s & Northern Bank and Mansfield University, will take place Saturday, July 1 through Monday, July 3.
In addition
to the eighth annual tournament in honor of Joel Stephens, Williamson High School
will go one step further in honoring Joel. On Friday, June 30, the night before
the tournament starts, Williamson High School will name their field " Joel
Stephens Field" to permanently memorialize everything Joel stood for in his
community. The Northern Tioga Red will play the Corning Red starting at 4:30 pm
with a field dedication ceremony to follow at 7:00pm. The Joel Stephens
Invitational will kick off Saturday morning at 9:00am with games at Joel
Stephens Field, Kelly Field at Smythe Park in Mansfield, and Shaute Field at
Mansfield University.
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 eight Twin Tiers teams competing against squads from Pennsylvania, New York, Ohio and two from Canada. Games will be played at three sites; MU’s Shaute Field, Kelly Field located in Smythe Park, Mansfield, and at Williamson H.S.
“Our goal has always been that this be a player’s tournament,” Ron Stephens, Joel’s father, said. “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.
Last month, The Joel Stephens Foundation made a donation to the Mansfield Little League to help replace equipment lost in fire. “If Joel was with us today, this is exactly the kind of project he would want us to help with,” Stephens said.
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 added. “Citizens & Northern Bank and Mansfield University have been with us from the beginning and are our presenting sponsors. We thank them and everyone who makes this tournament so special, especially the volunteers who give their time 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 3. 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 will feature the parade of teams, as well as special presentations and a tribute to Joel Stephens.
For a full tournament schedule and other information check online at www.gomounties.com