Harrison, McCutcheon join NCC

LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - Two nights after Lafayette Jeff made their switch to the North Central Conference (NCC) official, Harrison and McCutcheon officially accepted their respective invitations to join the Bronchos in the NCC.

The move to the NCC is effective beginning in the 2014-2015 school year. Lafayette Jeff, Harrison, and McCutcheon are currently in the Hoosier Crossroads Conference.

The Raiders and Mavericks announced their acceptance during Wednesday evening's Tippecanoe School Corporation school board meeting. The NCC is expected to consist of 12 teams when the 2014-2015 school year begins. Jay County is expected to the fourth new addition to the NCC, joining current conference members Anderson, Huntington North, Kokomo, Logansport, Marion, Muncie Central, New Castle and Richmond.

Tippecanoe School Corporation told News 18's Dan Klein that the possibility of having two six-team divisions is a possibility.

"Within the conference there could conceivably be an East and a West division. So schools in the East, in our case McCutcheon and Harrison, would participate in a full conference schedule against other divisional opponents," Hanback said. "And maybe occasionally have to travel farther than that should they be participating in, say, a conference championship that might be held in the West division. 

Hanback thinks the move is a plus for the Raiders and Mavericks athletic programs.

"We think this will actually reduce the amount of travel that we currently do to the Indianapolis schools," Hanback said. "And will be real win for the student-athletes and for our community."