May 29, 2008

LEWISTON, Idaho -- The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) is proud to announce that Lewis-Clark State (Idaho) College will continue to serve as host of the AVISTA-NAIA World Series for the next four years. Today's agreement extends the host rights through the 2012 event.

"We are thrilled to have Lewis-Clark State (Idaho) College continue its rich tradition as host of the AVISTA-NAIA World Series," said NAIA President and CEO Jim Carr. "I am confident that LCSC will continue to provide a memorable experience for every player, coach and fan. During the 17 years Lewis-Clark has hosted the Championship, the Lewiston community has provided superior hospitality and excitement for all involved."

Lewis-Clark State, a college in northwest Idaho, has an enrollment of 3,600. The College is located in Lewiston, Idaho and has been the host for the last nine straight World Series. The Warrior baseball team owns a NAIA record 15 titles. LCSC has served as host the longest of any baseball site, 17 years, which includes the 2008 event. LCSC welcomed the World Series from 1984-1991 before heading off to Des Moines, Iowa (1992-94), Sioux City, Iowa (1995-97), Tulsa, Okla. (1998) and Jupiter, Fla. (1999).

The 2008 event marked the ninth straight year, the longest tenure for one site in World Series history. In the 17-year history of the current event (including 2008 heading into the Semifinals), the average attendance has been 1,979 fans. The 2006 event had an average of 2,298, the best output of any LCSC events.

"Lewis-Clark State College and the entire Lewiston area have teamed up for the past nine years to create an exceptional national championship experience for our baseball teams and fans and we're pleased to extend this host agreement for another four years," said Scott McClure, NAIA Manager of Championship Sports.

"Tournament Director Gary Picone and his staff have worked extremely hard in making improvements to what is already a successful championship. They are committed to upgrading facilities and the overall championship experience for our student-athletes through 2012."

In the terms of the new contract, Lewis-Clark State will retain their seed regardless of position in the pre-tournament seeding rating. Under the current contract, the host team could not be seeded #1 or #2 and receive a bye on Day No. 1. Also, Lewis-Clark State will still be guaranteed a "prime-time" evening game on either day #1 (Friday) or day #2 (Saturday) of the World Series depending on their seed and guaranteed a prime-time slot as long as they remain in the winners' bracket.

"The new contract solidifies a good relationship with the NAIA and provides assurance of continuing economic benefit to the LC (Lewiston-Clarkston) Valley," said Dene K. Thomas, Lewis-Clark State President. "LCSC is proud to contribute to the Valley's well-being. What benefits LCSC benefits the Valley."

Lewis-Clark State Athletics Director Gary Picone is spearheading a fund-raising campaign to improve Harris Field and certain amenities for the World Series. Additional funding is going towards stadium lights, in which Picone is hoping to raise $350,000. He plans to have the new lighting system in place prior to the 2009 World Series.

"We have been working on this (contract) for almost a year, and although at times it seemed like a long process with negotiations, everything was positive and I think this strengthens our relationship with the NAIA," said Picone.

There are currently 206 NAIA schools that sponsor a varsity baseball program. Since 1999, the tournament was expanded back to a 10-team format which included seven Super Regional winners, two at-large berths and the host. The 2009 event will mark the start of conference qualification. Details of this qualification plan will be announced this summer.

Baseball was added as a championship sport in 1957 with Alpine, Texas serving as the first host and fielding the NAIA's first national championship team in Sul Ross State University. In the history of the sport, there have been 30 national champions crowned with Lewis-Clark State holding the most at 15 titles. The Warriors have earned the last two straight titles and six of the last nine rings.

Tournament Attendance at Lewis-Clark State (Harris Field) - prior to 2008
1984 - 33,613 (19 games; 1,769 average)
1985 - 41,585 (19 games; 2,189 average)
1986 - 37,018 (19 games; 1,948 average)
1987 - 37,283 (18 games; 2,071 average)
1988 - 35,098 (18 games; 2,086 average)
1989 - 37,632 (18 games; 2,091 average)
1990 - 37,440 (19 games; 1,971 average)
1991 - 39,390 (18 games; 2,188 average)
2000 - 38,170 (18 games; 2,121 average)
2001 - 32,920 (19 games; 1,733 average)
2002 - 32,930 (19 games; 1,734 average)
2003 - 34,465 (19 games; 1,814 average)
2004 - 31,685 (18 games; 1,760 average)
2005 - 35,070 (19 games; 1,846 average)
2006 - 43,670 (19 games; 2,298 average)
2007 - 40,808 (18 games; 2,267 average)
TOTAL: 588, 786 (297 games; 1,982 average)

Some information in this press release courtesy of Lewis-Clark State Sports Information Department