(Editor's note: This is the first of a two-part series on the current state of conference makeup for both the Northern Illinois Big 12 and the Interstate Eight Conference. Each is facing changes for the 2013-14 season as schools are leaving. The first part will focus on the I-8 and what Dwight's leaving means. Tomorrow we'll examine what Dixon's departure sets in motion.)


There has been a lot of talk over the last couple of years about the makeup of high school conferences and the impact they have upon our local schools.  This has never been more discussed that it has at this time as both the Interstate Eight Conference and Northern Illinois Big 12 Conference are facing changes.

Dixon is leaving the NIB12 as of the 2014-15 school year for the Big Northern and Dwight is leaving the I-8 for the Sangamon Valley that same year. Meanwhile, there is also talk that the changes may not be ending there as Streator has been desiring to leave the NIB12, perhaps for the Corn Belt, and schools in the I-8 like Plano, Sandwich and even Coal City would be the right fit size wise in a league like the NIB12.