Two new Lincoln Public Schools will join Blair High School's Eastern Midlands Conference (EMC) as they open in 2022 and 2023.
Lincoln Northwest High School will begin athletic and activity participation when it opens in August 2022, while Standing Bear High is set to become a conference member in 2023. Blair Community Schools Supt. Randy Gilson, the EMC President, submitted a press release announcing the expansion Wednesday.
“Bennington, Blair, Elkhorn High, Elkhorn North, Norris and Waverly are thrilled to have Lincoln Northwest and Standing Bear join the EMC, and look forward to future participation in events with both schools,” the release stated.
LPS Athletic Director Kathi Wieskamp expressed eagerness as well.
“We are excited and honored to be included in a highly competitive conference that exemplifies our mission and ideals of aiding in the overall growth of student-athletes including academic achievement, skill development and sportsmanship,” an LPS release read.
The EMC, which started in 1980, has explored expansion since Plattsmouth and Nebraska City left for the Trailblazer Conference in 2020, Gilson told the Enterprise after the announcement Wednesday evening. Elkhorn North joined the EMC that same year, but member schools' preference has remained for more than the six schools it currently has.
Gilson said both the EMC — which also lost Class A's Gretna and Elkhorn South in recent years — and LPS deserve credit for forming the upcoming partnership. Blair's Superintendent specifically noted the role of Norris activities director Mitchell Stine, too.
“It was a mutual effort, Gilson said.
Northwest announced its Falcons mascot earlier this year, using purple — the Bears' color — as a primary color. The school is located southwest of the Lincoln Airport near Northwest 48th and West Holdredge Streets.
Standing Bear High, meanwhile, remains without a mascot with its opening still more than a year away. The school is a northern neighbor to Norris on the south side of Lincoln at 70th and Saltillo Roads.
Gilson said BHS sports fans can expect “great facilities” at both schools. He described Northwest's football field as Lincoln's “premier” stadium.
“It's a tremendous opportunity for all kids in Blair and all of the EMC,” Gilson said.
Both Northwest and Standing Bear are expected to open with less than 1,000 students with room for growth and expansion to 2,000 as student enrollment in Lincoln grows, according to the LPS release. The community high school planning process, and the bond referendum, will allow for both schools to join the EMC and Class B at their opening.
“A strong conference allows our school to have immediate access to full competitive schedules, opportunities to participate in tournaments and festivals, and the ability to collaborate with students, coaches and administrators on a regular basis,” said Rob Psencik, Northwest athletic director, in the release.
Most, if not all, parties involved appear delighted with the EMC's future.
“What an exciting time for our conference,” Gilson said.
