High school all-star game returns to Moses Lake

MOSES LAKE - The top prep football players in the state are returning to Moses Lake.

Lions Field will host the Washington State Coaches Association's East-West All-Star game for the second straight summer.

Moses Lake hosted the annual event in June and made a strong impression with representatives from the association.

Representatives were impressed with the hospitality, facilites and activities during the week of the game.

"It's great news for our community," said Moses Lake High School Athletic Director Loren Sandhop.

Sandhop explained that the association will hold an official meeting next week and the six members who attended the event this past June will recommend to bring the game back to Lions Field.

"By all indications I got this morning was that we would get the event back next year," Sandhop said.

The association is expected to support the East-West All-Star game returning to the Columbia Basin.

"At this point it's pretty much a formailty," Sandhop said. "The coaches assocation is going to take that recommendation pretty strongly."

Sandhop credits the numerous sponsors, the fire department and the police department for helping out during the week of the game.

The majority of all-star games have been held at Everett Memorial Stadium, but Sandhop hopes that Moses Lake can continue to be a good host city and work its way into becoming a frequent venue for the game.

"My vision is next year is going to be an even better event," Sandhop said.

According to Sandhop, no date has been set for the game.

Justyn Simmons, a three-year starter at quarterback, represented Moses Lake High School in the last all-star game, which the East won 38-21.

He was the first player to be named to the team from Moses Lake since 2009.