Sixty-eight percent of coaches cite uneven competition in Berkshire League

68 percent of coaches at Lakeview High School reported uneven varsity competition in the Berkshire League, according to a poll of 19 staff members. The survey also found that 84 percent of respondents expressed concern over the stability of the current league and supported exploring a move to a new conference. These figures were central to a presentation made to the Regional School District No. 20 Board of Education on Oct. 15.

The Berkshire League, which includes eight full-member schools in Litchfield County, formed a committee on Oct. 16 to investigate realignment options with the Naugatuck Valley League (NVL) and the North Central Connecticut Conference (NCCC). Ian Strever, the league president and principal at Housatonic High School, stated that member schools are struggling to field full schedules for varsity and junior varsity teams. He noted that competitive balance issues have driven the league to look closely at nearby conferences.

The eight full members of the league are Gilbert, Housatonic, Lakeview, Nonnewaug, Northwestern, Shepaug, Terryville, and Thomaston. ACES at Chase is currently competing in the league on a limited trial basis this school year. The league was founded in 1960 with six teams. Since then, mergers and district changes have altered the membership, such as the creation of Lakeview from Litchfield and Wamogo, and the formation of Shepaug and Nonnewaug through regional district consolidations.

Lakeview athletic director Jim Parker presented a five-page document to the board that outlined four potential advantages of joining the NVL: reliable level schedules, stronger athlete development, postseason readiness, and the NVL conference structure. The document cited coach feedback regarding frequent sub-varsity cancellations and uneven competition. Parker recommended that the board consider completing a formal membership application to the NVL by Dec. 1.

Mykal Kuslis, principal of Nonnewaug High School, confirmed that his school is in contact with the NVL regarding the membership process. He stated that the school is keeping all options open while the Berkshire League evaluates its future. "We are aware of their deadlines," Kuslis said. "We are continuing to keep our options open just to define avenues we think are best for our students in terms of athletics, competition and opportunity."

Brian Mariano, the NVL president, said he has received several inquiries from schools this year about joining the league. He explained that the process involves a school applying and presenting at the annual governing board meeting, followed by a vote among principals. Mariano noted that the NVL has been approached five or six times in the last 10 years for expansion, including serious merger talks with the Berkshire League six years ago that did not result in a formal application.

Damian Frassinelli, NCCC president and athletic director at Stafford High School, confirmed that his conference is open to discussions about expansion. He said the NCCC has not actively sought to add to its 12 teams but is willing to listen. Frassinelli mentioned that the conference needs a year's notice to settle schedules, as a first draft for the next fall is typically developed in November. He identified potential benefits for western NCCC schools regarding scheduling and noted challenges related to travel times, such as the hour-and-a-half drive between Shepaug and Coventry.

Public comment periods for the Lakeview board are scheduled for Nov. 5 and Nov. 19. During these meetings, parents, student-athletes, and residents of Region 20 can voice opinions on the state of the Berkshire League and a potential move. Strever said he expects all league principals to send information to parents and students to gather input. The league's committee of athletic directors and principals will meet regularly over the next month to investigate options for all schools.

Strever indicated that the league would ideally like the NVL or NCCC to invite all its teams to join and create a Berkshire League division. He acknowledged that any arrangement must make sense for the receiving leagues and the individual schools. The committee is evaluating how neighboring districts align with divisions and travel times. The NVL currently has 15 teams in three divisions, while the NCCC has 12 teams without divisional play. Whether either league will add eight or nine teams remains a key question in the ongoing discussions.