May 16, 2008

Although talks are in the very early stages, Chester High School might co-op some of their sporting teams with Steeleville High School.

Chester High School Athletic Director Mike Coffey spoke before the Board of Education of Chester Unit School District #139 Thursday night about the possibility of co-oping some of the sports teams together.

Coffey said the initial suggestion came after Trico and Steeleville parted ways with girls’ basketball. Coffey said he knows of one family in particular that would like to have their daughter play basketball for Chester since the co-op with Trico was not renewed.

Coffey presented the board with information on enrollment numbers and what class the combined schools would be in for that particular sport.

Although the initial plan calls for girls’ basketball, Coffey also suggested boys and girls track, cross country and golf.

The co-op enrollment will not affect track, cross country and golf but it would affect girls’ basketball. But since Chester will have a larger freshman class than the graduating class this year, Chester’s enrollment number is likely to rise meaning the Jacket programs will return to Class 2A for basketball, volleyball, softball and baseball for the 2009-2010 school year.

There was some discussion about football but currently, should Chester qualify for the post-season playoffs, they would play in Class 2A. However, if you add in Steeleville’s enrollment, which according to IHSA rules would has to happen with a co-op, that would bump the Yellow Jackets to Class 3A.

Talks are in the very early stages between the two schools. Should the two schools decide to co-op for football, an agreement has to be in place by August 1. For girls’ basketball, Coffey said the agreement would have to be signed by September 1.