LAWRENCE – When Andover head coach Jay Fielding put together the MVC Showcase last year, the vision was to create a showcase similar to the NEPSAC and Catholic Conference ones that have been developed.

An event where players had the opportunity to not only perform in front of college coaches, but to network with coaches as well.

Monday night’s second annual MVC Showcase certainly did that, with 130 players working out and chatting with 90 college coaches in attendance.

“Last year I didn’t anticipate how many college coaches were going to be in the middle of the field and then they were meeting with the linemen,” Fielding. “I had to get more organized.”

For many juniors and seniors who are still looking to draw the attention of college coaches, the showcase is their opportunity to get their name on radars.

Some seniors who already committed took this opportunity to get extra work in. Central Catholic linemen and Naval Academy commit Brian Waller-Reitano who used the night to not only work on his game, but to support his teammates.

“I’m loving this,” he said. “It’s great for everyone out here to show out for the coaches and get their name out there.”

Fielding added a new wrinkle to this year by adding players from non-Merrimack Valley Conference teams.

Swampscott, Beverly and Danvers represented the Northeastern Conference, while Kipp Academy out of the Commonwealth Athletic Conference and Rhode Island power house Bishop Hendricken were represented as well.

“A couple of coaches from public schools contacted me last minute, their kids didn’t have access to a showcase, I’m always going to air on the side of helping the kids out so I decided to let them participate tonight,” Fielding said.

Swampscott linebacker Doyle Delano, who caught the attention of coaches with his performance, picked up an offer from the University of New Haven.

“Appreciate Coach Fielding for letting us get out here even though we’re not part of the Merrimack Valley,” said Delano.

Methuen head coach Ryan Dugan used the showcase as a chance to not only evaluate his players, but to also reconnect with coaches. Dugan – who has been a big advocate for public schools – believes the talent in the public schools deserves as much exposure as private and prep schools receive.

“Public schools have talent too, public schools are here to stay,” Dugan said bluntly.

First year Lowell High head coach Joe Harris spoke on the chance connect with coaches in the MVC and network.

“I think this is awesome what Coach Fielding is doing for the kids in the MVC,” he said. “We have a lot talent here, I wanted to see the talent and celebrate these kids and get ready for a great season.”

Overall, the Merrimack Valley Showcase has arrived for the long haul, with an increase in participation, public school students now have an outlet to give themselves an opportunity to play at the next level.

Over the last week New England has had multiple showcases. The biggest takeaway from all of them? It’s safe to say the region has never been hotter when it comes to college recruiting. These events are invaluable for guys who might not be getting the attention they deserve early in their careers.

“New England is on the rise and if you do not have a Showcase going, it’s time to step up and do what you can to help the kids,” added Dugan.