LINCOLN, Neb. (KOLN) - 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 Nor

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