Diamond State Games on DEPreps

Local Athletes Wanted

The second Diamond State Games coming soon

NEWARK, DE- Athletes of all ages and talent levels can test their skills against athletes from around the country in the 2003 Diamond State Games this coming June 21 and 22.

What separates the Diamond State Games from other state sports festivals is that these games are open to athletes without a residency requirement. Fifteen state and four countries were represented in 2001.

Track and Field, Bowling, Flag Football, Volleyball, Basketball, Disc Golf, Paintball, Soccer, Field Hockey, Softball, and Wrestling are the 11 events, which are up from 7 from the first Diamond State Games.

Venues from around the state including Delaware State University, Goldey-Beacom College, Baynard Stadium and Dover Bowl are a few of the locations where nearly 3000 expected participants will compete.

Track and Field, Disc Golf, Bowling and Wrestling are open to athletes of all ages.

Flag Football, Soccer, Softball, and Paintball are open primarily to adults.

The Field Hockey, Volleyball, and Basketball competitions will feature Delaware teams comprised of the top high school athletes in the state who have accepted invitations from the Diamond State Games to compete against teams invited from out of state to play.

There are just five weeks left of registration time and just six weeks left to train for one of the 11 events that are featured in this second annual event.

Complete registration information and downloadable entry forms are available online at the official Diamond State Games website www.diamondstategames.com. Registration booklets can also be secured by calling 302-731-1676.

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Executive Director – Marshal Manlove (302) 731-1676

Assistant Director – Jacqui Silla (302) 652-0559

Coordinators

Volleyball – Steve Lenderman, YMCA

Soccer – Joe Mills, Kirkwood Soccer Club

Wrestling – David Williams, Tatnall Wrestling Coach

Field Hockey – Cindy Deprisco, A.I. duPont Field Hockey Coach

Bowling – Diana Carter, Manager at Dover Bowl

Paintball – Mike Lashbrook, ECX Action Sports

Track and Field – Tom Fort, The Delaware Sports Club

Basketball – Sheldon Demby, Coach

Flag Football – Bob Smith, Referee and League Coordinator

Softball – Bob Smith, Referee and League Coordinator

Disc Golf – Tim Kady, Pro Disc Golfer

General Information and answers to frequently asked questions.

The Diamond State Games is the creation of Marshal Manlove, a local sports broadcaster and writer. Manlove produces and hosts a cable sports show called Delaware Sports, which can be seen throughout the state in the Comcast Cable system. He also publishes a local sports website, www.delawaresports.com and hosts a weekly sports radio program called The Brandywine Sports Corner on the community station WMPH from Wilmington.

The 2001 Diamond State Games attracted 1952 athletes from 15 states and 4 countries in 2001. The 2002 Diamond State Games were canceled because of the September 11th attacks and the resulting subsequent difficulties raising funds in an unsure economy.

The Diamond State Games is a private enterprise at this time. However, at some future point in time it will take a philanthropic approach and benefit some sort of local charity. The reason it is not doing so at this time is simply because it will not make money again this year (with current projections). The Diamond State Games suffered a $12,000 loss in year one, which was absorbed by the Executive Director as it will be in year two.

That said, most of the coordinators of the events are not earning money for their efforts for their own personal use. Most are contributing their compensation to their sports club, team, or organization. Each of these individuals have sacrificed greatly to help this event succeed and to give back to the community.

The Empire State Games in New York is the only such sports festival that does not charge athletes to compete. The state of New York picks up the tab for every athlete. Athletes then perform tryouts to enter the festival.

Delaware State University, Baynard Stadium, The Hockessin PAL center will feature events in which spectators can expect an entrance fee of $5 (which includes a program). We did not wish to charge any admission at all, but the venues cost made this necessary. All other events will be free to the public. We charged at all events last year and simply wish people to come out and root for their favorite athletes for free where possible.

Every single high school in PA, NJ, MD, DE and DC as well as every college and university and athletic club were sent information regarding the Diamond State Games. We expect a great turnout for certain events particularly Track & Field and Field Hockey.

THE EVENTS OF THE 2003 DIAMOND STATE GAMES

Field Hockey
Coordinator: Ms. Cindy Deprisco
Asst. Coodinator: Ms. Nicol DiMarzio
Dates: 6-21 and 6-22
Times: 8am - 6pm
Sites: A.I. duPont High School
Divisions: High School and Open Adult
Entry Fees: Team - $375.00
Rules: USFHA
Other: 3 game guarantee. 4-team pool play on Saturday the 21st. Top two teams in each bracket advance to medal rounds to be held on Sunday the 22nd
Pool games will be two 20-minute halves with 10 minute half time. Medal rounds will feature 30-minute halves.

Track and Field
Coordinators: The Delaware Sports Club
Dates: 6-21 and 6-22
Times: Starting 8 a.m.
Site: Baynard Stadium- Wilmington, DE
Divisions and events: Listed on website
Entry Fees: Adults $10 for the first event, $5 for each additional. High School and under $5 for the first event and $3 for each additional event. Relay fees $20 for both adult and youth.
Rules: USATF

Softball
Coordinator: Mr. Bob Smith
Dates: 6-21 and 6-22
Times: 8am-8pm and 8am-6pm
Sites: Handloff Park and Dickey Park in Newark, DE
Divisions: Mens Senior
Entry Fees: $225.00

Four-game guarantee

Disc Golf
Coordinator: Mr. Tim Kady
Dates: 6-22
Times: First round- 9:30am; Second round 2:00pm
Sites: Killens Pond State Park
Divisions: Junior 15U, Amateur, Advanced, Open Pro, Masters, Womens.
Entry Fees: $45.00 - Pro $40- Advanced $35 for all other divisions

Paintball
Coordinator: Mr. Mike Lashbrook
Asst. Coordinator: Mr. Mike White
Date: June 21st
Time: 8 a.m.
Site: ECX Action Sports Paintball Park at 301 Ruthar Dr. Newark, DE 19711
Division: 3-player Rookie/Novice (no Amateur A or Pro players) Limited to first 21 teams only.
Entry Fee: $120 per team includes unlimited air fills.

Rules: Semi-auto markers only. Field paint only per insurance requirements. Paint will be available on location for $50 per case. Official rules available at www.ecxactionsports.com

Volleyball
Coordinator: Mr. Steve Lenderman

Dates: 6-21 and 6-22

Times: Open Level High School 8am-8pm on 6-21. Medal round begins at 9 on 6-22. Club Level High School Saturday 8am-8pm. Senior division Sunday 6-22.

Sites: High School Open Level Division at Goldey Beacom College in Pike Creek, Wilmington DE. Club Level at St. Elizabeth Center in Wilmington, DE.
Womens Division at the St. Elizabeth Center in Wilmington, DE

Divisions: High School, Womens 60U, Womens 60O

Entry Fees: Seniors $175. High School $175

Rules: USA Volleyball. Rally score, 25 point games. 3 match guarantee. Pool play. Top two teams from each pool advance to medal round.

To enter the high school division as either an individual or as a team, one must contact

DESports@comcast.net or call 302-731-1676

Basketball
Coordinator: Mr. Sheldon Demby
Dates: 6-21 and 6-22
Times: 8am-6pm
Sites: Hockessin PAL Center
Divisions: High School Girls and Boys
Entry Fees: $375.00
Tickets: $5.00 (includes program)

Three game guarantee. Top two teams in four-team pool advance to medal round.

Wrestling
Coordinator: Mr. David Williams
Dates: June 22
Times: Weigh-in 8:00 am - 9:00 am. Wrestling starts promptly at 10:00 am
Sites: Delaware State University
Entry Fees: $18.00
Tickets: $5.00 (includes program)
Other: Double elimination or modified double elimination (depending on turnout)
Divisions: Scholastic Wrestling Weight Classes
Ages 13-14 Periods 1-1-1 Classes 78,84,90,96,102,108,114,120,126,132,138,144,150,159,169,HWT
Ages Senior Periods 1 1/2-1 1/2-1 1/2(grades 9-12)Classes 103, 112, 119,125, 130, 135, 140, 145, 152, 160,171,189,215,HWY
Ages Open Periods 1-1-1 Classes 112, 119, 125, 130, 135, 140, 145, 152, 160, 171, 189, 220, 250, 285

Flag Football
Coordinator: Mr. Bob Smith
Dates: 6-21 and 6-22
Times: Players meeting at 8:00 a.m. Games begin at 9:00 a.m.
Sites: Conrad Middle School - Stanton, DE
Divisions: A- Competitive B- Intermediate C- Beginner
Entry Fees: $150 per team plus $20 per game paid to referee on the field before each game.

Rules: All divisions will play 6 on 6
1st and 3rd quarters- 12 minute running time
2nd and 4th quarters- 10 minute running time with 7 plays at the end of the ten-minute period.
3 time outs per half. All games will have tie breakers. Yankee Conference Rule
All rules for games will follow New Castle County Rules.

Gold medallist in the Competitive Division will receive a berth to the USFTL National 5 on 5 Flag Football Championships to be held in Orlando, FL Jan 16,17,18 2004. (Tournament fee is earned by victory. No other costs are earned for the trip)

Soccer
Coordinator: Mr. Joe Mills
Dates: 6-21 and 6-22
Times: 8am-close
Site: Kirkwood Soccer Club, River Road New Castle, DE
Divisions: Mens Open Adult
Entry Fees: $350

Three game guarantee. 80 minute games. Two games on Saturday, balance of games on Sunday. Check-in time Friday, 6-20 from 7-8 pm. Team managers meeting at that time.
FIFA and New Castle County Rules. No alcohol and no pets allowed in complex.

Bowling
Coordinator: Ms. Diane Carter
Dates: 6-21 and 6-22
Site: Dover Bowl- 600 Jeffric Blvd. Dover, DE 19901
Divisions: 4-person mixed team
Age Categories: Youth 20 and under, Adult 21-54, Senior 55 and over
Times: Youth- June 21 9am-12pm; Adult June 21 3-6 pm and June 22 9am-12pm; Senior June 21 3-6 pm and June 22 12-3 pm.
Entry Fees: $80 per team. Registration deadline June 14, 2003
Other: 32 teams maximum in Youth division. 64 teams maximum. Adult and Senior divisions should choose the squad in which they would like to bowl. First come, first served. If first choice is unavailable, expect to participate in the other squad. Scratch tournament, three games each team. Teams to register 30 minutes prior to start of squad. Any ties for 1st, 2nd, or 3rd places will be decided by a one game roll off. Prize money to 1 in 10. Gift certificates of no more than $50 to pro shop for youth bowlers.