Sixty-six percent of Lakeview coaches want out of Berkshire League

Sixty-six percent of Lakeview High School coaches believe their varsity competition is uneven, according to a five-page report presented to the Regional School District No. 20 Board of Education on Oct. 15. The document, authored by Lakeview athletic director Jim Parker, argues that the school should submit a formal application to join the Naugatuck Valley League (NVL) by Dec. 1.

The report highlights that 84% of the 19 coaches polled have concerns about the stability of the Berkshire League. They also value reliable sub-varsity schedules. Parker listed four specific advantages for moving to the NVL: reliable level schedules, stronger athlete development, postseason readiness, and the NVL’s conference structure.

The Berkshire League, founded in 1960, currently consists of eight full-member schools in Litchfield County: Gilbert, Housatonic, Lakeview, Nonnewaug, Northwestern, Shepaug, Terryville, and Thomaston. ACES at Chase in Waterbury competes on a limited trial basis this year. League president Ian Strever, who is also the Housatonic principal, formed a committee on Oct. 16 to explore realignment with the NVL and the North Central Connecticut Conference (NCCC).

Strever stated that schools are concerned about fielding full varsity and JV schedules and maintaining competitive balance. He said the league aims to present a singular message while its subcommittee researches nearby leagues and works with the CIAC to evaluate potential solutions. The committee includes representatives from all member schools and will meet regularly over the next month.

Nonnewaug principal Mykal Kuslis confirmed his school is in contact with the NVL. He said multiple schools are looking for better opportunities for their students. Kuslis noted that the school is keeping all options open while awaiting potential changes within the Berkshire League.

NVL president Brian Mariano said he has received several inquiries this year but is not discussing specific schools until official applications are filed. He described the process: a school applies, presents at an annual governing board meeting, and the principals vote after feedback. Mariano added that the NVL has been approached about expansion five or six times in the past decade, including serious merger talks with the Berkshire League six years ago that did not result in a formal vote.

NCCC president Damian Frassinelli confirmed cursory talks with the Berkshire League. He noted that the NCCC typically requires a year’s notice to settle schedules. Frassinelli identified potential benefits, such as improved scheduling for western teams and stronger field hockey programs, but cited travel distances as a complication. For example, the drive between Shepaug and Coventry or Housatonic and Ellington is approximately an hour and a half.

Lakeview parents and students can voice opinions at Board of Education meetings scheduled for Nov. 5 and Nov. 19. Strever expects each league principal to send information to families to gather input. The Berkshire League hopes to move collectively, ideally with the NVL or NCCC inviting all its teams to join as a division.