Region II Champions Emerge Despite Inclement Weather
[June 25, 2003] - After two substantial weather delays on Wednesday, SNICKERS® US Youth Soccer Region II champions in all age groups were finally determined. Thunderstorms and lightning rocked the James W. Cownie Soccer Complex in Des Moines, Iowa throughout the day, as referees, players and fans had to wait patiently for the event's conclusion.

When the weather was finally overcome, Illinois emerged with more Region II champions than any other state. Four Illinois teams go away with Regional titles, including the Under-16 Girls Eclipse Select, who only qualified for the tournament by snatching the Midwest Regional League's bid for the age group. Other Illinois teams to win included the Under-14 Girls Eclipse Select, Under-17 Boys Chicago Magic and Under-19 Boys Sockers FC.

Michigan claimed the next most championships with three. Vardar won both the Under-13 and Under-14 Boys titles, and the Michigan Wolves conquered the Under-18 Boys age group. Ohio South and Missouri each won two titles, while Minnesota, Kentucky and Indiana go home with one championship a piece.

Regional winners in the Under-14 through Under-19 divisions advance to the 2003 SNICKERS® US Youth Soccer National Championships to be played July 22-27 at the Maryland SoccerPlex in Germantown, Md.