MONTICELLO – The reclassification has been a hot topic for schools around Sullivan County this year. By adding a AAA division, many schools have moved up from their previous class. Monticello is no exception, as they are AA almost across the board now.

Among these many changes, former rivalries will start to fade as contests won’t have Sectional implications, but Monticello’s Athletic Director is hopeful to keep the flames of some of these rivalries stoked.

“We have had a friendly rivalry with Port Jervis for years, and we’re hoping that we can find a way to continue that despite moving up to AA,” Jasper said. “It will be a tremendous challenge, but we plan to work hard every day to succeed.”

Monticello is back in Class A Division 1 after being independent last year.

“The decision to go independent last year was to introduce a bit of flexibility to our schedule as we focused on building up the program,” Jasper explained. “We have a great group of new and returning coaches and we’re hopeful that we’ll start to see results in the not-so-distant future.”

Monticello is also introducing new coaches for both Boys and Girls Soccer, and they will be ready to compete after beginning practices last week.

Monticello Tennis will be back in action this year, but with a big change coming. New on-campus Tennis courts are nearing completion, which means that the team’s home games will be played at Monticello High School rather than off campus.

“Previously, student-athletes went to Emerald Green for their matches, and though we’re grateful that they allowed us to play there, we’re excited to be playing on campus,” Jasper explained. “The courts will be open to the community, and it’s a great benefit to athletic programs to see people out practicing.”

Jasper is excited for this year and the future of Monticello sports. He said, “We know we’re in for it this year, but we’re certainly up for the challenge.”