New Great Lakes Conference Formed by Seven Toledo Area Schools
Seven schools in the Toledo area have decided to leave the Toledo Area Athletic Conference (TAAC) to establish a new football conference. Edon, Erie-Mason, Hilltop, Montpelier, North Central, Summerfield, and Whiteford have informed the TAAC of their plans to withdraw after the 2025-26 academic year. They will be joining the newly formed Great Lakes Conference, which will also include Sand Creek High School. The districts' boards of education have approved the move, and competition is set to begin in the 2026-27 academic year.
The Great Lakes Conference expressed gratitude for the opportunities provided to student-athletes and the partnership with member districts during their time in the TAAC. They wished the TAAC well as they move forward with the changes. Ottawa Hills had previously announced its departure from the TAAC to join the River Division of the Sandusky Bay Conference in the 2026-27 academic year, while Northwood joined the SBC River Division for the 2025-26 academic year.
Erie-Mason, Sand Creek, Summerfield, and Whiteford are located in Monroe County, Michigan, while Edon, Hilltop, Montpelier, and North Central are situated in Williams County, Ohio. The schools' decision to form a new conference reflects their commitment to providing enhanced opportunities for their student-athletes and fostering a competitive athletic environment in the region.
In conclusion, the departure of seven schools from the TAAC to establish the Great Lakes Conference marks a significant change in the local athletic landscape. The move reflects a strategic decision by the schools to create a new platform for football competition and enhance the overall athletic experience for their students. The formation of the Great Lakes Conference signals a new chapter in the region's high school sports scene, with exciting opportunities on the horizon for student-athletes and fans alike.