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By MarkECannon · Posted
There has been talk amongst Desoto and Hardee about this recently. It has the SSAA written all over it. The few athletic directors I’ve spoken to that have moved over to the SSAA are pretty pleased with their decisions. Not sure what to say about the state’s oldest rivalry leaving the FHSAA. -
I've been told that Hardee has applied to join SSAA and can only assume the others have as well. Frostproof & Labelle are already SSAA members. Play won't begin until 2026. Honestly I would not be surprised if more schools don't follow suit. Here's the article: SEVEN FLORIDA SCHOOLS TO FORM HEARTLAND CONFERENCE By DOUG DONNELLY Seven high school football programs in central and southwest Florida have announced the formation of a new athletic conference, the Heartland Conference, set to begin competition in 2026. The conference will consist of DeSoto County High School, Frostproof High School, LaBelle High School, Lake Placid High School, Lemon Bay High School, Hardee High School, and Avon Park High School. Organizers say the similar-size schools are joining together with a mission to advocate for Florida High School Athletic Association rules for the greater good of the development of student athletes. Consistent scheduling, natural rivalries and geographic proximity are benefits of the conference. Play will begin in the 2026-27 scheduling cycle so that schools can honor current contracts. “The rebirth of the Heartland Conference will be exciting for communities, fans, players, and coaches,” said DeSoto County High School coach Clifford Lohrey. “The opportunity to create stability in the continuously changing world of high school athletics is important for rivalries that are heading toward extinction. The chance to have both conference and district play in our schedule is important in creating an environment where every game matters.” Jason Mensing, head coach at Lemon Bay, echoed those sentiments, adding that the schools share a common philosophy. “The Heartland Conference will provide our student-athletes with consistent, high-quality competition against schools with similar demographics and geographic proximity,” Mensing said. “This will also create more opportunities for local rivalries and enhance the overall experience for our players, coaches, and fans.” The conference aims to create a more level playing field for each member school, fostering closer and more exciting contests. Despite some additional travel, schools fit a common footprint with similar enrollments in addition to being in geographical locations that limits rapid shifts in student movement. “Frostproof is very excited to rekindle an old relationship that creates a competitive excitement and experience for our kids,” said Richard Marsh, Frostproof coach. Lake Placid head coach Jay Del Castillo said his district is enthusiastic about the future of the Heartland Conference and the positive impact it will have on their football programs. “How exciting it is to get like-minded coaches together for a common goal of benefiting the kids,” Castillo said. “Not only will this give them a chance to compete against their fellow friends, but it gives them another chance to be seen and honored for their hard work throughout the season.” Guidelines for the awarding of trophies and post-season honors are being drafted now. “Avon Park is excited for the return of the Heartland Conference,” said coach Lee Albritton. “All of the coaches and programs that are joining have similar mindsets and goals for our programs and doing things certain ways. We look forward to competing with all of these program’s year in and year out for the Heartland Conference championship.” For more information on the Heartland Conference, contact Jason Mensing, Heartland Conference president. -
By PinellasFB · Posted
I'm getting this info from Sun Sports feed (SW FL news) on facebook but I can't find any official online news stories yet about. The article named Lemon Bay, DeSoto, Frostproof, Lake Placid, Hardee, LaBelle and Avon Park as founding members. It is an alliance of like-sized programs that want stability and a level playing field. I suppose they weren't interested in the SSAA which seems to have the same goal? -
By CoachGraham · Posted
Gives a whole new meaning to "I'm going to take my talents to South Beach..." -
By Nulli Secundus · Posted
You know better than that! Besides, if they aren't moving for "academic" reasons, who's to say some would bend the truth just to save face?
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