Jenna Whitaker, Athletic Director at Murdock High School, appeared before the School Committee at their March 12 meeting to present a proposal to join the Murdock High School varsity soccer teams in a co-op arrangement with the Narragansett Regional High School teams.

Ms. Whitaker explained that in 2018, the boys' team only had eight students signing up. It requires eleven players to field a team with no subs. In 2019, the total number of sign-ups was ten. Factoring in seniors who will graduate and the probability of some 8th grade players not staying in the Winchendon school system, about eight or nine players are expected to sign up next fall. Because of the low numbers, the schools have gotten a waiver and brought middle school players onto the team. Middle school players have difficulty competing with varsity players. Partly because of this, in 2018, the boys' soccer team racked up 1 win, 14 losses and 1 tie. In 2019, their record was 1 win and 17 losses.

The girls' soccer team numbered eighteen in 2018, but was down to ten players in 2019. In 2018, girls' soccer had a record of 1 win, 15 losses and 2 ties; in 2019 they logged 1 win and 17 losses.

Ms. Whitaker stated these these low numbers of sign-ups for the boys' soccer team have been consistent throughout the nine years she's been at Murdock. The number of players on the girls' team has started low, gone up and then down, but in no year did the teams win more than one or two games.

Ms. Whitacker said that they are proposing a two-year co-op arrangement in the hope that it will increase interest in soccer and build up the program. The Murdock middle school soccer teams will continue to play independently. Narragansett is in a similar situation with team records and numbers of player sign-ups. Both school systems hope to "get our teams flourishing" through the collaboration and then separate as stronger, viable programs.

Another benefit of the co-op will be enough players to form a Junior Varsity team of freshmen and sophomores who will be able to play at their ability level and develop their skills and confidence, rather than being thrown in with older and more experienced juniors and seniors.

With the larger program, Narragansett would be the host school, and home games would be played at Gilman-Waite Field in Baldwinville, close to the Winchendon town line. Ms. Whitaker said she would request some home games at Murdock Field, such as Senior Night and a Homecoming game.

Narrangansett will not charge for the co-op. Ms. Whitaker says she hopes that a bus can be arranged to take the Murdock players to Gilman-Waite for practice and to games.

Some games might have an admission fee for spectators to help cover costs of lighting for night games.

Ms. Whitaker said that she had contacted all the parents of returning players and incoming 8th grade players with the proposal. She said that all the feedback she received was positive. The only concern was whether any of the games would be played at Murdock Field.

"I am the biggest advocate for Murdock sports, obviously, being an alumnae," Ms. Whitaker said. "I have my own kids coming up to the system, I do not want to lose Murdock sports, any of them. I just think for soccer, for so many years we've tried to piece it together and we just need some help for a couple of years to get back on our feet and rebuild this sport."

Supertendant Joan Landers asked Ms. Whitaker what the next step is. Ms. Whitaker explained the Narrangansett has gone before their School Committee and gotten approval from the School Committee and Superintendant. She is asking for the approval of the Winchendon School Committee, and then the athletic directors will present the proposal to the league for their vote. If the league approves, then they will go to the MIAA and request their approval.

The School Committee voted to approve the proposal.

Ms. Whitaker added that (as of March 12) the MIAA had postponed all spring sports until March 30 due to the COVID-19 concerns.