I know not everyone is happy to see Eastern Connecticut grow in terms of population. But one thing that expansion has allowed for, in athletics any way, is the ability for schools to broaden their horizons.
We're seeing that happen to many schools in the Eastern Connecticut Conference as new athletic offerings have been popping up as of late.
After years of staying the course in Waterford, Waterford High School has now started to add some new programs.
Volleyball began this past fall as a JV program and will become varsity this fall. Gymnastics came on line as a cooperative program with Fitch and, this spring, lacrosse will be offered for the first time for both boys and girls. It will begin on the JV level but is also planned to be a varsity sport come next spring.
The ECC, as a whole, has decided that fencing is ready to become a full fledged sport as it has met the minimum requirement, four schools or more now offer it as a varsity sport. The inaugural league season begins this winter.
There are some things about growth that people may not find attractive, this is one of the more positive things that can emerge from it. More young people given more opportunities to find their niche.