LINCOLN, Neb. — The Heartland Athletic Conference voted unanimously Tuesday, Aug. 19, to expand to a 13-team league beginning with the 2026–27 fall sports season.

Lincoln Northwest High School and Lincoln Standing Bear High School applied for and accepted invitations to join the HAC as full-time members.

“The current members of the Heartland Athletic Conference are excited to unanimously admit Lincoln Northwest and Lincoln Standing Bear, as they will be a great fit for our outstanding athletic and academic traditions,” said John Erwin, 2025–26 HAC president and athletic director at Norfolk High School. “We look forward to the positive impact they will make in an already competitive conference.”

The HAC’s current membership includes Columbus, Fremont, Grand Island, Kearney and Norfolk high schools, along with all six high schools in Lincoln Public Schools: Lincoln High, Lincoln East, Lincoln North Star, Lincoln Northeast, Lincoln Southeast and Lincoln Southwest.

The last time the conference expanded was in 2020 with the addition of Columbus High School.

Lincoln Standing Bear Director of Activities Jeremy Schroeder said the school is proud to join the conference.

“Lincoln Standing Bear High School is excited and honored to help represent Lincoln Public Schools as one of the newest members of the Heartland Athletic Conference,” Schroeder said. “The HAC has a rich history in high school athletics in the state of Nebraska, and we are honored to be a part of that moving forward.”

Christina Nevitt, director of activities at Lincoln Northwest, said the move will strengthen relationships with other schools in the district.

“Lincoln Northwest is excited to join the Heartland Athletic Conference as we move to Class A next year,” Nevitt said. “This will allow our coaches and student-participants to develop even stronger relationships with members of the other LPS high schools.”