By Doug La Rocque
Berlin Central Schools Superintendent Dr. Stephen Young read a letter from the league president at the Tuesday, June 18 School Board meeting, saying that by a vote of 8-2, the superintendents of the league’s member schools had decided to remove Berlin as a league member, effectively immediately.
The issue that drove the decision, was the league’s demand that the combined Berlin/New Lebanon Wrestling team move from the Patroon Conference to the WASAREN league for the upcoming season. The two schools expressed their reluctance to do so, stating they felt the team needed another year in the Patroon to develop, and also in fairness to the Patroon Conference. Berlin/New Lebanon countered with the proposal they keep the team in the Patroon for the coming season, and then move to the WASAREN. That option, according to Dr. Young, was denied.
The WASAREN currently has but three schools participating in wrestling, one short of the number to be recognized as a league in the sport.
Berlin Athletic Director Josh Weaver said the WASAREN’s league constitution only calls for a school to keep 50% of their teams in the league, a number Berlin/New Lebanon far exceeds. He also pointed out that two longtime WASAREN schools, Cambridge and Greenwich, currently have wrestling programs that also do not compete in the league, but they were apparently not given the same ultimatum.
The meeting was attended by more than 50 parents and students, all upset over the developments. Some expressed their wish the District had complied with the WASAREN’s demand, so the school could continue to compete in the league. Most were upset however, with the fact the Berlin/New Lebanon sports program would have to compete as an independent school, and the impact that could have on their children’s possible future college sports aspirations.
It was asked of AD Weaver, when this first came to light, as most had just recently heard about it. He said it was first brought up in February, and has been under negotiations ever since. Those in attendance were not happy to hear that, wishing it had been made public back then, so they could have had more input in the talks with the league. Mr. Weaver apologized for what he labeled as a rookie mistake. He is completing just his second year in the position, and promised to keep all District residents up to date as future developments unfold.
What to Do Now
Mr. Weaver and New Lebanon Athletic Director Josh Noble, who was also in attendance, said they have been investigating possibly joining another league. Returning to Berlin’s former league, the Central Hudson Valley League, was pretty much ruled out. Both ADs feel that league’s future is very uncertain, considering the size of the schools, and many being unable to field teams for a considerable number of sports. The Western Athletic Conference is the best fit as far as school size goes, but the distance away from Berlin/New Lebanon rules that out as well. The closest school in that league is in Schenectady, with some being nearly 80 miles away. It is felt the Patroon conference is the best choice, and according to AD Weaver, they are open to a Berlin/New Lebanon membership, although that probably could not happen until 2020 at the earliest. Both ADs felt that until that time, they could schedule enough contests for their teams to qualify for Section 2 competition.
Speaking of Section 2, it was asked by many at the meeting, if they could appeal the WASAREN’s decision to Section 2 officials, as they are the league’s governing body. Both ADs said they have already been in contact with Section 2 to discuss their options, which might include legal action.
Merging Sports Programs
Earlier in the evening, the Berlin School Board voted to officially merge all sports programs with New Lebanon. The goal is to have the merger complete by the fall of 2020. Many sports have already been joined together.