NORTON - Many Norton High School coaches support exploring leaving the Tri-Valley League to make teams possibly more competitive, a new survey says.

Increasing funding and school support for athletics is a higher priority, the coaches say.

Principal Raymond Dewar surveyed coaches at the request of the school committee and Superintendent Patricia Ansay.

School board Chairman Kevin O'Neil wanted to see if switching leagues would save Norton money by reducing travel and dues.

O'Neil said Monday night the leagues' average travel times are nearly identical, about 35 minutes each. "As far as mileage and time, there's no savings," he said.

School officials agreed Monday they will continue exploring leaving the TVL. Ansay said she wants to ask other leagues whether and when they might accept new members.

"If they come flat out and say 'No, not for another two or three years,' we can plan for that," Ansay said.

Money the key

But coaches say funding issues transcend switching leagues.

"The athletic department needs a much greater emphasis. We need full-time staff and a significant increase in facilities," varsity football coach Robb McCoy said. "We also need to work extremely hard as a department at promoting our sports programs and trying to foster school spirit.

"I honestly believe that more work is put into discouraging school spirit than it is trying to create it," he said. "Our basketball games are policed and monitored to the point where our kids are afraid to yell anything. You go to any other school and their fans are awesome and the environment at their games makes people want to be there."

O'Neil said the coaches' feedback was valuable.

"In the past, I don't think we've ever asked the coaches, 'What league should we be in?'" he said.

Boys' soccer coach Eric Greene said he would prefer his team stayed in the TVL. "I have said all along, I'm not interested in winning league championships; I'm interested in competing in the state. The TVL is the best league (within distance) that adequately prepares my team for the state championship," Greene said.

"Overall, changing leagues will give the impression that Norton is not willing to fight for their success. Rather, they want to go to a league where they can find success easily."

MICHAEL GELBWASSER can be reached at 508-236-0439 or at mgelbwasser@thesunchronicle.com