Berkshire League forms committee to explore joining Naugatuck Valley or North Central conferences

The Berkshire League established a subcommittee on Oct. 16 to evaluate potential realignment with the Naugatuck Valley League (NVL) and the North Central Connecticut Conference (NCCC). The group, composed of principals and athletic directors from the eight member schools, is tasked with researching nearby leagues and coordinating with the CIAC to address current operational challenges. Ian Strever, the league president and principal of Housatonic High School in Falls Village, said the committee will assess the pros and cons for both individual schools and the league as a whole.

The initiative follows reports that several member schools struggle to field full varsity and junior varsity schedules. Strever noted that concerns over competitive balance and inconsistent game offerings have driven the league to investigate alignment with neighboring conferences. The league currently includes eight full members from Litchfield County: Gilbert, Housatonic, Lakeview, Nonnewaug, Northwestern, Shepaug, Terryville, and Thomaston. ACES at Chase from Waterbury is also competing on a limited trial basis this school year.

Individual schools have begun the process independently. Mykal Kuslis, the principal of Nonnewaug High School in Woodbury, stated that his school has contacted the NVL to understand the requirements for membership. He said the school is keeping all options open to ensure student-athletes have access to a more competitive environment. Kuslis acknowledged that multiple schools within the Berkshire League are seeking better opportunities for their athletes in terms of competition and scheduling.

Lakeview High School in Litchfield moved first on the administrative front. Athletic Director Jim Parker presented a proposal to the Regional School District No. 20 Board of Education on Oct. 15, recommending that the board consider submitting a formal membership application to the NVL by Dec. 1. Parker’s five-page document listed four advantages for joining the NVL: reliable level schedules, stronger athlete development, postseason readiness, and a stable conference structure. The proposal was supported by a poll of 19 Lakeview coaches, in which 68% reported uneven varsity competition in the Berkshire League and 84% expressed concerns about league stability.

The NVL and NCCC have responded to the inquiries with openness. Brian Mariano, the NVL president, said the league has received several inquiries this year but is not in a rush to expand. He explained that any application would require a vote by the principals of member schools at an annual governing board meeting. Mariano noted that the NVL has been approached five to six times in the past 10 years, including serious merger talks with the Berkshire League six years ago that did not result in a formal application.

Damian Frassinelli, the NCCC president and athletic director at Stafford High School, confirmed that his conference is also open to discussions. He said the NCCC has had cursory talks with the Berkshire League in the past and recently. Frassinelli identified potential benefits for NCCC schools west of the Connecticut River, such as improved scheduling and stronger field hockey programs. However, he also cited logistical challenges, noting the hour-and-a-half drive between schools like Shepaug and Coventry or Housatonic and Ellington. He added that the NCCC typically prefers a year's notice for expansion to accommodate scheduling drafts.

Parents and students in affected districts have upcoming opportunities to voice their opinions. The Regional School District No. 20 Board of Education holds public comment sessions at meetings scheduled for Nov. 5 and Nov. 19. Strever said he expects all Berkshire League principals to send information to families so they can understand the situation and provide input. The league aims to maintain a singular public message through Strever while the committee meets regularly over the next month to finalize its recommendations.

The Berkshire League was founded in 1960 with six teams. Over the decades, Litchfield and Wamogo merged to form Lakeview, while Washington and Woodbury joined other towns to create the regional districts now operating Shepaug and Nonnewaug. Strever said the committee includes individuals with deep ties to the league's traditions. The league would ideally prefer that the NVL or NCCC invite all its teams to join as a distinct division, but any final arrangement must make sense for the receiving leagues and the individual schools seeking change.