COLUMBUS - Tired of the long drive to Massillon? Would you like to host the Ohio High School Athletic Association football championship games?

Well, here is your chance.

The OHSAA already has a deal to play the title games at Massillon and Canton McKinley this season, but the next three years are up for grabs.

The OHSAA is accepting proposals from those interested in hosting the state football finals in 2004 and 2005, with an option for 2006.

At its June meeting, the OHSAA Board of Control gave approval for the OHSAA staff to utilize a Request For Proposal (RFP) instrument that was developed by a special committee.

The form includes a brief summary and an outline of the information that must be addressed as part of a proposal. Completed proposals must be received by the OHSAA by Sept. 15.

Those interested in hosting the finals will make a presentation to the OHSAA Board of Control and staff on Oct. 15. The final selection will be made Dec. 4.

RFP forms are available by contacting Henry Zaborniak or Kim Mahoney in the OHSAA office at 614-267-2502.

This marks the 32nd year for the state playoffs. Finals have been held in Massillon at Paul Brown Stadium since 1991 although the games were split with Canton McKinley's Fawcett Stadium the past six years.

Commissioner Clair Muscaro said the proposal doesn't mean the games will definitely move or that the OHSAA is unhappy with the current sites.

"We have been very pleased with the state finals in Massillon and Canton, and the organizing committee in Stark County has just done an outstanding job," Muscaro said.

"But because there has been interest from others around the state to host the finals, the Board of Control and our staff thought that it was important that we obtain proposals to host future state championships."

Ohio State University and other Columbus officials have expressed interest in bringing the games back to city.