CIAC to Evaluate Coginchaug Athletic Program

Coginchaug High School's athletic program will soon undergo a review by the Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference.

The evaluation process, known as the CIAC Exemplary Interscholastic High School Athletic Program Evaluation Model, aims to ensure that the school and its athletic department is meeting the standards of the organization.

"[The CIAC has] standards for what they would consider, in the best case scenario, what would the ideal athletic program look like," said Coginchaug Principal Andre Hauser, who presented an outline of the evaluation at the Sept. 5 Board of Education meeting.

Click here to read more about the CIAC's Athletic Program Evaluation

The process includes a survey of coaches, student-athletes and their parents as well as a self-study by the school of its athletic programs.

Hauser said he has worked closely with Coginchaug Athletic Director Ted Lombardo to schedule the evaluation which also involves a two-day site visit by a 5-member panel made up of CIAC school administrators and athletic directors.

"It is not mandatory, it is a voluntary evaluation process," Hauser said. "Not many schools go through it. In a given year, it's typically fewer than 10 in the state volunteer to be evaluated in this manner."

The review process will cover everything from accessibility of facilities to gender equity to support for players, Hauser said.

Durham resident Michael Doyle, who has been a vocal critic of the school's athletic program at recent board meetings, had urged the board to consider taking part in the evaluation.

"It's my belief that, in anything in life, it can be improved and that maybe it just needs a couple of minor tweaks to improve it. I think the process... will be beneficial to all of us," Doyle said.

At Wednesday's meeting, Doyle volunteered to be a member of a committee required by the organization to create a mission statement for the school's athletic program.

Although there is no timetable for the evaluation, Hauser said he'd like for the process to begin as soon as possible because he is eager to get feedback.

"As soon as we've got that report, we'll celebrate our strengths and we'll plan to improve on our weaknesses," he said.