2012 for sure

By The Gazette Editorial Board

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Iowa's girls' state volleyball tournament has been an autumn ritual in Cedar Rapids for nearly two decades. What was once an event scattered around Des Moines high schools became a showcase at what's now the U.S. Cellular Center.

Tradition faces a test this year. Renovations to the center will force the tournament to move. We were glad to hear the upbeat words Monday of Mike Dick, executive director of the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union, as he toured a possible alternative site at the Cedar Rapids Ice Arena. Arenas in Iowa City, Cedar Falls and Des Moines also are making bids.

Dick said he considers this a one-year, temporary relocation. But he also couldn't give a “100 percent guarantee” that the event will return to downtown Cedar Rapids in 2012. We understand that the IGHSAU must do what it thinks is best for its 2011 tourney. We'd like to keep it in the city, acknowledging that a number of factors will guide the final call.

But we urge the IGHSAU to commit as soon as possible to return in 2012. Our city is working hard to revitalize a city core hit hard by flooding in 2008. After 19 years as partners in putting on the tournament, we hope the IGHSAU also will be a partner in that recovery.

Bringing back a great high school tournament to an extensively renovated arena would be an appropriate, welcome boost.