If I remember correctly, I think so. Or atleast New Castle felt that way. I'm pretty sure it was split and a couple of the schools really fought to keep New Castle, but weren't able to. As a Marion fan, I definitely miss New Castle more basketball wise than football wise(although they've had some decent teams down there lately).
As for football and the conference, ugh. It needs something for sure. Its clearly Jeff, a decent sized gap, then Harrison. The Giants have been good, but they aren't as good as Jeff and beating up on everyone else doesn't help when you play teams like Hobart in the tournament.