Park programs pinch hit for U-46 'B' teams

Did your middle school student not make the "A" team for volleyball?

Park districts and recreation departments believe they have a response to Elgin Area School District U-46's decision to eliminate middle school "B" teams as part of budget cuts.

Recreation departments in Elgin, South Elgin, Bartlett and Streamwood have teamed with the school district to offer what is called the "Cooperative Middle School Sports Program."

The program - open to middle school students who don't make their school's "A" team - will offer girls volleyball beginning Sept. 13, along with boys basketball in November and December and girls basketball in January and February.

"The genesis is the school district cut the "B" teams to save money. We want kids to be able to participate," said Randy Reopelle, director of the city of Elgin's Parks and Recreation Department, who noted some schools made their cuts for girls volleyball teams Friday.

Reopelle said the program is geared toward seventh- and eight-grade students, but sixth-graders may sign up if they want to "play up" against older kids.

Teams will practice and play games at U-46's eight middle schools: Abbott, Ellis, Kimball, and Larsen in Elgin; Eastview in Bartlett; Kenyon Woods in South Elgin; or Canton and Tefft in Streamwood.

Reopelle said Elgin will charge $50 for participants, but fees will vary for park districts and recreation departments in Streamwood, South Elgin and Bartlett. Parents should contact those agencies to register their kids.

Reopelle said U-46 agreed to not charge rental fees at their middle school gymnasiums in order to help facilitate the program.

Practice dates and schedules have not been set because it depends on how many kids sign up and how many teams are formed, Reopelle said.

He also noted that times at each middle school could vary. Some recreational agencies will hire coaches, which would allow some teams to practice right after school, but others might seek volunteer coaches, meaning practices would be held in early evening.

"It's the first time we've ever done it," said Reopelle. "We've also said if this works, we may roll out more sports programs next (fall 2011)."