Sports

North Putnam coaches react to move to new athletic conference

Weeks of rumors and speculation were put to bed this week as North Putnam has sent a letter of separation from the Western Indiana Conference. 

 

The former conference included the likes of Brown County, Cloverdale, Edgewood, Greencastle, Northview, Indian Creek, South Putnam, Owen Valley, Sullivan and West Vigo. 

 

In a press release, North Putnam officials thanked the Western Indiana Conference for its time.

 

"We would like to thank the entire Western Indiana Conference for their patience, understanding and support throughout this process. We look forward to continuing positive relationships with each Western Indiana Conference member school during this transition period and beyond," the release states. 

 

North Putnam has accepted an invite to join a new athletic conference that will include Crawfordsville, Southmont, North Montgomery, Frankfort and Western Boone. The conference will be named at a later date. 

 

"We anticipate the new conference going into effect no later than the 2026-27 school year, with the possibility of an earlier implementation. This timeframe should allow us to work with the Western Indiana Conference schools to insure a smooth transition while working with the new conference schools to form conference by-laws, confirming schedules, etc.," the release continued. 

 

Last month, North Putnam athletic director Bart Jochim told The Putnam County Post there was nothing he could officially share. 

 

"North Putnam is and will always explore options to do what is best for our students, school and community," Jochim told The Putnam County Post at the time. 

 

North Putnam boys' basketball coach Vincent Brooks welcomed the change of scenery, pointing to travel times between the two conferences. 

 

"I believe it is a great move that is focused on what is best for students as it will significantly reduce travel times and allow student athletes the ability to be home earlier on week nights," Brooks told The Putnam County Post. 

 

North Putnam football coach Scott Moore also embraces the change of conferences, telling The Putnam County Post, his team is "excited about the move into the new conference."

 

"It will help with travel times for all sports and allow the communities to support the programs at various events. Football wise it will be very competitive and a great opportunity for us to play some different teams and start new rivalries with the other schools," Moore said. 

 

Moore said the teams in the new conference have experienced success in the past. 

 

"These other schools have had success and are building great programs, they have top of the line facilities and we know that when we travel it will be great atmospheres on game days. We are hoping to be able to compete year in and year out and are excited about the opportunities," Moore said. 

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