Illinia Christian To The Northwest Crossroads Conference

[Boilernation]

It was announced yesterday that the Vikings will be stepping up their schedule by joining the NCC for the 2025-2026 school year. The school has had immediate success in baseball by playing for 3 straight State Titles (winning 2) since becoming IHSAA members after moving across the state line from Lansing to Dyer.  They are located in the rapidly growing area south of Lake Central HS that feeds into Lake Central and Hanover Central.

Anyone in the Region know if the Vikings plan on following Hanover Central's path and starting a football program? I believe they would currently fall in the bottom of 3A or top of 2A in enrollment. 

Edited June 19, 2024 by Boilernation

[HoopsCoach]

2 hours ago, Boilernation said:

I believe they would currently fall in the bottom of 3A or top of 2A in enrollment. 

Illiana Christian’s enrollment was 544.  The cutoff between 2A and 3A was 513, so they would be 3A.

[Coach Nowlin]

I believe the plans are for them to have Football team, their is LOT of space out there for that to happen, and as stated, incredible family growth all around the border in Lake County.    The Illinois migration is real 

I would imagine it would be up in running in next 2 years is my guess

 

[Boilernation]

9 hours ago, Coach Nowlin said:

I believe the plans are for them to have Football team, their is LOT of space out there for that to happen, and as stated, incredible family growth all around the border in Lake County.    The Illinois migration is real 

I would imagine it would be up in running in next 2 years is my guess

 

From what I've read elsewhere there is a desire for football, which is interesting considering Andrean (Diocese of Gary?) decided not to build a new campus in Crown Point and will remain at 5959 Broadway on the Merrillville / Gary border. Hammond Bishop Noll was never able to step up as a threat to Andrean in football. Perhaps Illiana Christian can. I would also think Illiana Christian developing a football program would make things worse for Lake Central.

[Boilernation]

19 hours ago, Coach Nowlin said:

I believe the plans are for them to have Football team, their is LOT of space out there for that to happen, and as stated, incredible family growth all around the border in Lake County.    The Illinois migration is real 

I would imagine it would be up in running in next 2 years is my guess

 

My brother's office in The Loop has a lot of Lake Central area transplants. They were sick of paying Illinois taxes and realized the commute from the far South Side 'burbs isn't that bad. I wouldn't be surprised if some sort of development down there  is done to better link south Lake County with the Calumet Expressway heading north into 94 and Chicago. I believe there were discussions of some by pass going from 65 into Illinois in south Lake County. 

Edited June 28, 2024 by Boilernation

[Coach Nowlin]

yea an E/W Tollroad that would pop out by Lowell was proposed 4 years or so ago 

not sure where it landed

[Bobref]

17 hours ago, Coach Nowlin said:

yea an E/W Tollroad that would pop out by Lowell was proposed 4 years or so ago 

not sure where it landed

I think that idea will be revived once the South Shore RR’s two southern extensions are completed. Construction is under way on the Western of the two extensions, which will eventually reach from Hammond, through Munster, Dyer, Cedar Lake, and terminate at Lowell. Not sure what the time line is.

[CoachMack219]

On 6/27/2024 at 8:25 AM, Boilernation said:

I would also think Illiana Christian developing a football program would make things worse for Lake Central.

100% agree. 

[Sam Frick]

I just saw today that they’re working towards forming a football program, although no set timetable and will start in JV before becoming a varsity team. But it does appear they are moving quick to get this process going.