(1-13-22) Today Carmel and Center Grove entered the purgatory of being an independent in high school athletics. Today the Hoosier Crossroads Conference (HCC) turned down the two schools for membership.

Just one month ago on December 13th the two schools were ‘kicked out’ of the Metropolitan Interscholastic Conference (MIC) on a vote by the membership. The MIC will continue as a six-team conference.

A letter signed by the administrators from the HCC’s eight member schools – Avon, Brownsburg, Fishers, Franklin Central, Hamilton Southeastern, Noblesville, Westfield and Zionsville –

“The mission of the Hoosier Crossroads Conference is to recognize the diversity of varied interests of its member schools and believe positive competitive desire is a basic tenet of a democratic society. The conference strives to present the best in academic, athletic and artistic programs for all stakeholders while focusing on the development and leadership skills and positive sportsmanship for all participants.

As Hoosier Crossroads Conference member schools, we are committed to providing outstanding academic, athletic and arts experiences for our students. Singularly and collectively, we are committed to the mission of the HCC.

The recent proposal by Carmel and Center Grove High Schools has created an opportunity for the HCC to reflect on this commitment and consider whether expansion to ten schools would be of benefit to our student programs and services. Earlier today, the HCC member schools voted to remain an eight-school conference.

We are honored by the Carmel Greyhounds’ and Center Grove Trojans’ request and look forward to maintaining positive relationships with them in the future. As the HCC, we are committed to our partner schools and stand unified in the decision.”

Carmel athletic director Jim Inskeep –

Center Grove athletic director Scott Knapp –

“Center Grove High School has much to offer. We will continue to pursue robust competition for our student-athletes at all levels in all sports. We have an incredible community that takes pride in and supports our programs. We are looking forward to this new chapter in Center Grove athletics.”

The two schools have some of the most successful athletic programs in Indiana. The challenging part for both schools will be scheduling schools willing to play them due to that success they have.

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