New “Trailblazer Conference” will include Nebraska City, Plattsmouth and Beatrice

New “Trailblazer Conference” will include Nebraska City, Plattsmouth and Beatrice
Nebraska City and Plattsmouth will leave the Eastern Midlands Conference and join Beatrice, Platteview, Wahoo and other teams to be named later in a new conference beginning in the 2020-2021 school year. (Photo Courtesy: James Berry)

NEBRASKA CITY – Nebraska City and Plattsmouth will join four other school districts to form the new “Trailblazer Conference” beginning in 2020-2021.

The Nebraska City, Plattsmouth, Beatrice, Ralston and Platteview Boards of Education voted to leave their current conferences at recent meetings. Wahoo is expected to vote at the next board meeting on June 17.

“Our six districts saw the rare chance to unite and deepen our relationships athletically, academically, artistically and across our communities,” Plattsmouth Superintendent Dr. Richard Hasty said.

The Blue Devils and Pioneers have been a part of the Eastern Midlands Conference since its inauguration in 1979. The two schools have been conference rivals even before the EMC. They were both members of the Twin-Rivers Conference before it was disbanded and eventually led to the creation of the EMC.

The EMC, which is made up of Class B schools, originally included Nebraska City, Plattsmouth, Blair, Syracuse, Platteview, Elkhorn, Gretna, Norris and Waverly. Syracuse was pushed out in 1980.

The conference was last reorganized in 2017 when Platteview left to join the Nebraska Capitol Conference. Bennington would leave the NCC and join the EMC with Blair, Elkhorn, Gretna, Nebraska City, Norris, Plattsmouth and Waverly.

“From activities and fine arts to academics, middle school competition, and professional development, we envision a new level of collaboration,” said former Nebraska City Superintendent Dr. Jeff Edwards.

The EMC has 16 varsity level activities. There has been no word on if any competitive programs will be affected by the move.

Wahoo and Platteview were members of the Nebraska Capitol Conference.

“The students and families we serve have a great deal in common,” explained Platteview Superintendent Brett Richards. “We believe the Trailblazer Conference will open new opportunities to collaborate, from students to senior district leadership.”

Beatrice and Ralston have been competing in the River Cities Conference.

High School Notes:

>> Beginning in 2020-2021, Louisville High School will become a member of the Nebraska Capitol Conference. They’re leaving the East Central Nebraska Conference.

Follow Hunter on Twitter: @TheBurnRadio

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