2
0
The historical Lakes Conference regarded at one time as one of the toughest in the state, has gone on life support as of Wednesday afternoon.
Cherokee, Estherville-Lincoln Central, and Spirit Lake, have petitioned to vacate the conference, and seek membership in another conference.
The two remaining schools Storm Lake and Spencer state that they are disappointed to hear the development, and are searching for a solution.
In recent years consolidating with the Siouxland Conference has been unsuccessful.
The Lakes Conference began in 1925. Presently it has five member schools: Cherokee, Estherville-Lincoln Central, Spencer, Spirit Lake, and Storm Lake.
For over four decades there was no membership change in the conference.
Lakes Conference History:
| Cherokee | Lakes Conference | 1935-36 thru PRESENT |
| Emmetsburg | Lakes Conference | 1925-26 thru 2016-17 |
| Estherville-Lincoln Central (including Estherville) | Lakes Conference | 1925-26 thru PRESENT |
| Le Mars | Lakes Conference | 1993-94 thru 2018-19 |
| Sheldon | Lakes Conference | 1935-36 thru 2008-09 |
| Sibley-Ocheyedan (including Sibley) | Lakes Conference | 1926-27 thru 1989-90 |
| Spencer | Lakes Conference | 1925-26 thru PRESENT |
| Spirit Lake | Lakes Conference | 1925-26 thru PRESENT |
| Storm Lake | Lakes Conference | 1926-27 thru PRESENT |
| Western Christian | Lakes Conference | 1997-98 thru 2021-22 |
“We are excited about the potential benefits of seeking a new conference. This transition could significantly enhance our athletes’ experiences, increase community engagement, and foster closer competition with schools that share our dedication to excellence. We believe this move will have a positive impact on our programs and our entire district.”
Tom Ryherd, Cherokee School Superintendent
Option available for the departing three schools would be to join the Siouxland Conference. Estherville-Lincoln Central and Spirit Lake could also look at the eight member school North Central Conference as a possibility.
It was rumored Cherokee even looked into the War Eagle Conference. Presently it has 11 schools. Honestly, that can’t be looked at as a viable option. Cherokee would substantially be the largest school with their enrollment at 282 (2024-2025 Beds Document).
Currently, Hinton is the largest War Eagle Conference school with an enrollment of 184 (2024-2025 Beds Document). The smallest is Remsen St. Mary’s with an enrollment of 36 (2024-2025 Beds Document). Others schools such as MMCRU are at 160, and South O’Brien is at 124 students.
This is a developing story and more with be added when it becomes available.
