MHS Could Have A New Conference Rival

Posted on Wednesday, October 10, 2007

The Big 8 Conference is one step closer to adding another member. During Monday Nights regular meeting, the Madison Central School Board voted to include Harrisburg as a member of the conference, effective next season.

The Big 8 currently has four schools as members: Madison, West Central, Vermillon and Lennox. MHS Athletic Director Bud Postma says Harrisburg would be a natural fit in the conference.

Currently, Harrisburg is a member of the Big Sioux Conference. Should the Tigers join the Big 8, they would hold memberships in both conferences in 2008-2009 and then be exclusively in the Big 8 in the 2009-2010 season.

Postma feels that Harrisburgs inclusion would bring several advantages to all the schools.

With enrollment figures near 350 students, Harrisburg is currently over the Big Sioux Conference limit of 335. With an eventual jump to the double-A ranks in the next few years, Harrisburg athletic director David Hansen wanted to find a conference that would allow them to expand without being penalized.

Harrisburgs admission to the conference depends on approval from 75-percent of the Big 8 Conference schools as well as approval from the Harrisburg School Board. A final decision is expected by the end of the month.