Earlier this month, Niles Community Schools accepted an invitation to join the Berrien-Cass-St. Joseph League as our high school athletic conference. We are thrilled to join the BCS League as our official athletic conference within the Michigan High School Athletic Association beginning in the 2020-21 school year.

We are pleased to continue playing in the Southwestern Michigan Athletic Conference throughout the current school year and to join the BCS League next fall. Doing so is a big step for our Vikings athletics program, as the change will provide many benefits in the years to come. Among other opportunities, joining the league will increase the flexibility we need for our individual sport programs that are at varying levels to compete according to their level that year. The greatest benefit, however, will be the decrease in travel time and less classroom instructional time loss for student-athletes.

We are also excited for our students to rekindle their friendly competition with neighboring districts. Our Viking athletes will once again be able to play against students they grew up playing alongside, whether through little league or travel programs.

As we join the 15 school districts who are currently members of the BCS League, including those in Berrien, Cass, Kalamazoo, St. Joseph and Van Buren counties, I wish to express my sincere gratitude to our Athletic Director Jeff Upton, as well as all coaches, athletes and parents throughout the district. Their hard work and determination have brought us to where we are today and will carry us forward into a successful future for the program.

We are always seeking opportunities to embrace changes and positive developments that will benefit our students. The transition to BCS is one of many initiatives throughout the district that will positively impact our entire community. I encourage alumni and members of the community to come out and support our programs and I promise you will be supporting great kids. As always, Go Vikes!