(6-1-26) On Friday, the Northeast 8 Conference announced the addition of Salem as its newest member, with the Quakers joining in all sports except football for the 2027-28 academic year.
The recommendation was approved by a 7-0 unanimous vote of the Northeast 8 Conference Superintendents.
Northeast 8 Commissioner Rob Conklin
“We are excited to welcome Salem to the Northeast 8 Conference. Salem is a strong fit geographically, competitively, and culturally for our conference. This move strengthens the Northeast 8 and provides outstanding opportunities for our student-athletes and school communities.
The press release said that the decision to join in all sports except for football –
“was made collaboratively by the member schools and Salem administration.”
The Quakers will continue as a football member in the Eastern Buckeye Conference.
Assistant Commissioner Brian Banfield
“This agreement allows both Salem and the Northeast 8 to strengthen all other athletic programs immediately while also preserving flexibility in football scheduling for all schools involved. We believe this is a positive step forward for the future of the conference.”
Conklin is stepping down when his current contract expires and Banfield will assume the duties as commissioner.
The NE8 has recently just had seven members — with Girard, Hubbard, Lakeview, Niles, Poland, South Range and Struthers as founding members — since Jefferson left the league at the conclusion of the 2022-23 school year.
Salem was looking for a new home after Minerva, Carrollton and Marlington announced in February that they were a part of several schools forming a new league for the 2028-29 school year.
Stateline Sports Network 