Norwalk Athletics Gain Optimistic Perspective from Upcoming 20-School Conference in New Foothill Area
The reorganization of area schools into a new 20-school conference for the 2026-2027 school year is expected to positively impact Norwalk High, offering more opportunities for playoff contention and potentially strengthening its athletic programs.
David Snyder, Norwalk's athletic director, expressed mixed feelings about the new conference, being excited about competitive equity but concerned about logistical challenges. Snyder and Norwalk's principal, David Olea, and assistant principal, Christina Moreau, attended the Foothill Area releaguing vote on May 1.
One of the significant benefits of the new conference is increased playoff opportunities. With a larger conference, more teams will have the chance to qualify for playoffs, potentially increasing Norwalk High's access to postseason games. This is particularly beneficial as Norwalk previously faced challenges in smaller leagues where only the top two teams received automatic berths to the CIF-Southern Section playoffs.
The new mega conference will combine schools from the current 605 League, Del Rio League, Gateway League, and Mid-Cities League, providing Norwalk High with a more diverse range of opponents. This broader competition can help prepare teams better for playoff environments, potentially enhancing their performance in postseason games.
Being part of a larger conference can also lead to improved athletic programs overall, as schools may invest more in resources and facilities to remain competitive. Although not directly linked to the conference change, Norwalk High has seen improvements in its facilities, such as new science classrooms and a pool, which could further support athletic development.
Snyder believes his boys and girls volleyball programs will benefit from being in a better place in the new conference, while his baseball and softball programs won't feel much impact. However, he expressed concern that football could end up in a challenging position, potentially being grouped with powerful teams like La Serna, La Mirada, and others.
In terms of league structure, nothing has been determined yet regarding the number of leagues for each sport in the new conference. For 11-man football purposes, there will be 18 teams that realistically should be put into three leagues of six teams, with Oxford Academy and Whitney High not fielding programs. For other sports, there is a thought that there will be four leagues of five teams each, making it better for 12 teams in a particular sport to get an automatic berth in the playoffs.
Norwalk High has a rich history of athletic success, with teams finishing in first place seven times, second place six times, third place eight times, and fourth and fifth place five times each from 2007 to 2011 and in 2014. Many of Norwalk's non-league contests in any given sport have been against the schools from the 605 League and the Del Rio League, making the transition into league competition smoother.
In cross country, Norwalk's girls came in first place in the first year of the Suburban Valley Conference, chasing down an impressive Warren team. Cross country has always been a strong sport for Norwalk, boys and girls.
Snyder looks to ensure fairness for everyone and will work to get his team what they need in the new conference. He is looking forward to seeing what happens with the new conference and is prepared to navigate any challenges that may arise, including a potential power struggle between coaches and A.D.'s.
El Rancho High was allowed to leave the Del Rio League and join the Almont League instead of becoming a part of the new conference. Despite this, Norwalk High is set to renew old Suburban League rivalries with Artesia High, Cerritos, and John Glenn High in every sport for league games.
The Suburban Valley Conference, which Norwalk joined for the 2022-2023 school year, was better for Norwalk as they made the playoffs in two out of three years. Since the Suburban Valley Conference was formed, Norwalk has won a Mid-Cities League title four times amongst the major sports and tied for two others.
Snyder is optimistic about the new conference and is looking forward to what the future holds for Norwalk High's athletic programs.
The new conference's bigger size could open up more event opportunities for Norwalk High, providing additional chances for community news and education-and-self-development workshops or seminars.
In the expanding conference, the enhanced competition might foster better athletic programs, leading to more sports events for the community to enjoy.
