After evaluating Benton Harbor Area Schools’ appeal concerning their membership in the Lakeland Conference for upcoming seasons, the conference Board of Governors has chosen to deny the request.
This decision was reached during a meeting on Thursday that included representatives from Berrien Springs, Brandywine, Buchanan, and Dowagiac. Benton Harbor Superintendent Dr. Kelvin Butts advocated for the district’s continued membership during the meeting, emphasizing the advantages of conference participation for student-athletes.
Although the decision did not favor Benton Harbor, athletic director Danny Jennings discussed the next steps for the district’s athletic programs.
“We understand what needs to be done on our behalf as well, which is build our programs, and that’s what I’m committed to,” Jennings says.
Jennings says his main objective now is increasing student involvement in sports, convincing students to become student-athletes.
“Just get more participation, introducing the opportunities earlier so that passion can be groomed and athletes can excel,” Jennings says.
The Tigers joined the Lakeland Conference at the start of the 2022 school year, but after this academic year, the district will compete independently.
