Eastern Florida To Host Soccer, Golf Championships

By  //  April 9, 2015

economic study by Space Coast Sports Promotions estimated spending will total about $1 million

soccer-field
Eastern Florida State College will again host the Florida High School Athletic Association girls and boys state soccer championships in February 2016.

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA — Eastern Florida State College will again host the Florida High School Athletic Association girls and boys state soccer championships in February 2016.

soccer-180-13It will mark the third consecutive year that champions will be crowned at the Titan Soccer Complex on the Melbourne Campus.

The tournaments cover four days each in February and lead to champions in five classes in Class1A through Class 5A. They draw 20 teams each and spectators from across Florida.

An economic impact study conducted by Space Coast Sports Promotions estimated the spending by families and fans will total about $1 million.

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The figure is based on a model developed by the Florida Department of Commerce to determine the value of sporting events for local economies.

Eastern Florida’s Melbourne Campus facility is also home to the NJCAA Division I Women’s Soccer National Championship through 2016 – which brings an economic impact of about $1.1 million based on the Department of Commerce model.

The college and Duran Golf Club in Viera also will host the 2016 NJCAA Division I Men’s Golf National Championship.

Eastern Florida Chosen as National Golf Tournament Site

Eastern Florida State College will host the 2016 NJCAA Division I Men’s Golf Championship at Duran Golf Club in Viera. (Eastern Florida image)
Eastern Florida State College will host the 2016 NJCAA Division I Men’s Golf Championship at Duran Golf Club in Viera. (Eastern Florida image)

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA — Eastern Florida State College will host the 2016 NJCAA Division I Men’s Golf Championship at Duran Golf Club in Viera.

The dates are May 15-20, 2016.

efsc-golf-180The tournament site rotates every year. Eastern Florida, previously known as Brevard Community College, has never hosted the tournament.

The tournament draws 22 teams from across the country. Indian Hills Community College of Iowa is the defending champion from the 2014 season.

Eastern Florida’s golf team has competed in the last 12 national tournaments. It can make its 13th straight trip by finishing in the top four in the NJCAA Division I District 4 Tournament in Alexander City, Alabama beginning April 27.

This year’s tournament will be held May 10-15 at Sand Creek Station in Newton, Kansas.

Dr. Jim Richey
Dr. Jim Richey

“The championship will bring some of the best collegiate golfers in the nation to Brevard County, giving local golf fans a unique opportunity to see players who could be the top professionals of the future,” said college President Dr. Jim Richey.

“We’re honored to serve as host and add the championship to the growing list of major collegiate athletic events that Eastern Florida is attracting.”

Securing the bid represents the latest in a series of high-profile events the college is hosting.

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Eastern Florida has hosted the NJCAA Division I Women’s Soccer National Championship since 2011 and will host it through 2016 at the Titan Soccer Complex on the Melbourne Campus.

The complex also hosted the Florida High School Athletic Association girls and boys state soccer championships the past two seasons.

Jeff Carr
Jeff Carr

“We are ecstatic to host another NJCAA national championship and showcase Brevard County once again,” said Eastern Florida Associate Vice President of Athletics Jeff Carr.

“Duran Golf Club is a first class facility. We look forward to working with General Manager Dave Tomczak and his staff to put on this great event.”

Eastern Florida head coach Jamie Howell sees hosting the tournament as an opportunity for his team.

Jamie Howell
Jamie Howell

“We are happy to have the opportunity to host the national championship at home,” Howell said.

“While there will be much preparation and planning going into the event, what better way to showcase the Space Coast than with a collegiate golf tournament and some of the finest college golfers in the country.”

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