New Upstate Eight Rivalries Soon to be Born

Calling it a "rejuvenation," St. Charles North boys basketball coach Tom Poulin sees the addition of Batavia and Geneva into the Upstate Eight Conference for the 2010-11 school year as a shot in the arm.

"I think it's a real boost for our conference," Poulin said.

The conference now is divided into two seven-team divisions.  The Upstate Eight River Division includes Batavia, Geneva and familiar foes Elgin, Larkin, Streamwood and crosstown rivals St. Charles East and St. Charles North.

The Valley Division features Bartlett, East Aurora, Lake Park, Metea Valley, Neuqua Valley, South Elgin and Waubonsie Valley.

"I believe our conference just got a lot better. Both of the athletic programs at Batavia and Geneva have impressive track records."

Poulin, who played basketball at St. Charles High School in the early 1990s, can't wait for the season opener in November.

"It's a better situation for everyone in the Tri-Cities," said Poulin. "As a kid, I remember St. Charles always playing Batavia but not playing Geneva. Now we'll have six games (two each, home and away) against Batavia, Geneva and St. Charles East every year."

During the fall campaign, the Upstate Eight River schedule will consist of 6-game contests/matches in boys soccer, girls tennis and girls volleyball. Boys/girls cross country, boys/girls golf and girls swimming teams will participate in separate Upstate Eight River and Upstate Eight Valley Division meets and tournaments.

Basketball teams will play a 12-game conference schedule (home and away games against each division opponent) with crossover games not counting toward the respective teams' conference records.

Baseball and softball teams will play a 3-game series against fellow divisional foes as well as one game against each crossover opponent (25 games total).

"It means there will be two conference champions (River and Valley Divisions)," said St. Charles East athletic director Jerry Krieg. "This way, more kids will be receiving awards and more kids will be named to all-conference teams.

"It's nice to have Batavia and Geneva as part of the loop and it's nice to be able to keep our existing rivalries with Elgin, Larkin, Streamwood and St. Charles North. We feel fortunate to be part of that group.

"Batavia and Geneva have been able to keep that small-school feeling and they value rivalries–so do we."

Saints girls volleyball coach Jennie Kull, who has guided her team to a pair of state titles (2001, 2008), likes the geographic connection among the Upstate Eight River schools.

"It's nice to have two schools that are so close to home," Kull said of Batavia and Geneva. "Sometimes the kids get tired during the season, so it will be nice to be closer to home for more of our matches."

For St. Charles East boys basketball coach Brian Clodi, the new conference alignment means more bragging rights.

"We've played Batavia and Geneva every year since I've been here but now we'll all be fighting for the conference trophy," said Clodi. "That will make a huge difference."