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Midwest Prep Conference

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The Midwest Prep Conference is a former high school athletic conference in competition from 1940 to 1983. Consisting entirely of private schools, most were located in Wisconsin and had membership in the Wisconsin Independent Schools Athletic Association.

History

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Wisconsin Prep Conference (1940-1952)

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The Midwest Prep Conference began play in 1940 as the Wisconsin Prep Conference with five private high schools in southeastern Wisconsin. Three were located in the Milwaukee area (Lutheran High, Milwaukee Country Day and Milwaukee University), one in Watertown (Northwestern Prep) and one in Beaver Dam (Wayland Academy).[1] Northwestern Military & Naval Academy in Lake Geneva had a brief stint in the conference from 1945 to 1949,[2] and were replaced by Racine Lutheran High School in 1950.[3]

Expansion and Name Change (1952-1970)

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In 1952, the Wisconsin Prep Conference added two schools to bring the membership roster to eight, and both were located in Illinois (Lake Forest Academy and North Shore Country Day School in Winnetka). With the addition of Illinois-based schools to the loop came a new name: the Midwest Prep Conference.[4] North Shore Country Day School’s tenure in the conference would be brief, as they left in 1954.[5] The next year, Lutheran High School in Milwaukee was split up by the two ecclesiastical organizations running the school. Milwaukee Lutheran High School was opened by the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod and Wisconsin Lutheran High School was established by the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod, both in 1955.[6] 1964 saw numerous changes to Midwest Prep Conference membership with a net loss of two members. Milwaukee Country Day School and Milwaukee University School (along with the all-girls Milwaukee-Downer Seminary) merged to form the University School of Milwaukee. The new school took over both MCDS’s campus in Whitefish Bay and MUS’s River Hills campus, along with both predecessor schools’ conference membership.[7] The Midwest Prep also lost Lake Forest Academy and Wayland Academy, becoming a Wisconsin-only conference in the process.[8] The entry of Concordia College Prep in Milwaukee to the conference brought its membership roster to six members. St. John's Military Academy in Delafield applied for membership along with Concordia but was rejected because of scheduling issues.[9] Fox Valley Lutheran High School in Appleton joined the Midwest Prep Conference in 1965[10] accompanied with Wayland Academy's return to the circuit,[11] bringing the total number of members back up to eight schools.

Final Years and Classic Conference Merger (1970-1983)

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In 1970, Martin Luther High School in Greendale joined the Midwest Prep Conference.[12] They replaced Concordia Prep, who had left the conference to compete as an independent before closing their doors the next year.[13][14] Looking to cut down on the long travel distances they experienced during their time in the conference, Fox Valley Lutheran left the Midwest Prep Conference in 1971 to join the Fox Valley Christian Conference.[15] St. Mary’s High School in Burlington, previously left without conference affiliation when the Southeastern Badger Conference disbanded, replaced Fox Valley Lutheran.[16] The last changes to conference membership occurred in 1974, when Milwaukee Lutheran joined the Metro Conference[17] and Wisconsin Lutheran left for the Wisconsin Little Ten Conference.[18] St. John’s Military Academy in Delafield came over from the Classic Conference to replace the two exiting schools, ten years after failing to land conference membership.[19] The conference featured the same seven members for the remainder of its existence, and in 1983 the Midwest Prep Conference joined with nine out of the eleven schools from the Classic Conference (Central Wisconsin Christian, Kettle Moraine Lutheran, Notre Dame, Sheboygan Christian, Sheboygan Lutheran, Shoreland Lutheran, St. Lawrence Seminary and The Prairie School) to form the Midwest Classic Conference.[20]

Conference Membership History

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School Location Affiliation Enrollment Mascot Colors Joined Left Conference Joined Current Conference
Lutheran High Milwaukee, WI Private (LCMS & WELS) N/A Knights     1940[1] 1955[6] Closed (split into Milwaukee Lutheran and Wisconsin Lutheran)
Milwaukee Country Day Whitefish Bay, WI Private (Nonsectarian) N/A Cougars     1940[1] 1964[7] Closed (merged into University School of Milwaukee)
Milwaukee University River Hills, WI Private (Nonsectarian) N/A Lancers     1940[1] 1964[7] Closed (merged into University School of Milwaukee)
Northwestern Prep Watertown, WI Private (WELS) N/A Hornets     1940[1] 1983[20] Midwest Classic Closed in 1995 (merged with Martin Luther Prep)
Wayland Academy Beaver Dam, WI Private (historically Baptist) 159 Big Red     1940,[1] 1965[11] 1964,[8] 1983[20] Independent, Midwest Classic Trailways
Northwestern Military & Naval Academy Lake Geneva, WI Private (Nonsectarian), Military N/A Falcons     1945[2] 1949[3] Independent Closed in 1995 (merged with St. John's Military Academy)
Racine Lutheran Racine, WI Private (LCMS) 303 Crusaders     1950[3] 1983[20] Midwest Classic Metro Classic
Lake Forest Academy Lake Forest, IL Private (Nonsectarian) 452 Caxys     1952[4] 1964[8] Private School League (IHSA) Independent School League (IHSA)
North Shore Country Day Winnetka, IL Private (Nonsectarian) 213 Raiders     1952[4] 1954[5] Private School League (IHSA) Independent School League (IHSA)
Milwaukee Lutheran Milwaukee, WI Private (LCMS) 908 Red Knights     1955[6] 1974[17] Metro Woodland
Wisconsin Lutheran Milwaukee, WI Private (WELS) 938 Vikings     1955[6] 1974[18] Wisconsin Little Ten Woodland
Concordia Prep Milwaukee, WI Private (LCMS) N/A Falcons     1964[9] 1970[13] Independent Closed in 1971[14]
University School of Milwaukee River Hills, WI Private (Nonsectarian) 407 Wildcats     1964[7] 1983[20] Midwest Classic
Fox Valley Lutheran Appleton, WI Private (WELS) 742 Foxes     1965[10] 1971[15] Fox Valley Christian North Eastern
Martin Luther Greendale, WI Private (LCMS) 649 Spartans     1970[12] 1983[20] Midwest Classic Metro Classic
St. Mary’s Burlington, WI Private (Catholic) 128 Hilltoppers     1971[16] 1983[20] Midwest Classic
St. John's Military Academy Delafield, WI Private (Nonsectarian), Military 236 Lancers     1974[19] 1983[20] Midwest Classic

List of State Champions

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Fall Sports

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Boys Cross Country
School Year Division
University School 1975[21] Class C
University School 1976[22] Class C
University School 1977[23] Class C
University School 1982[24] Class C
Football
School Year Division
St. Mary’s 1976[25] Class B
St. Mary’s 1977[26] Class B
St. Mary’s 1978[27] Class B
Northwestern Prep 1980[28] Class B
St. Mary’s 1981[29] Class B
Boys Soccer
School Year Division
University School 1975[30] Single Division
Girls Tennis
School Year Division
University School 1976[31] Single Division
University School 1977[32] Single Division
University School 1978[33] Single Division
University School 1982[34] Single Division


Winter Sports

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Boys Basketball
School Year Division
Racine Lutheran 1975[35] Class B
Girls Basketball
School Year Division
Northwestern Prep 1979[36] Class B


Spring Sports

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Boys Golf
School Year Division
Milwaukee Lutheran 1969[37] Single Division
Boys Tennis
School Year Division
University School 1969[38] Single Division
University School 1971[39] Single Division
University School 1972[40] Single Division
University School 1973[41] Single Division
University School 1974[42] Single Division
University School 1975[43] Single Division
University School 1976[44] Single Division
University School 1978[45] Single Division
University School 1979[46] Single Division
University School 1980[47] Single Division
Boys Track & Field
School Year Division
Wayland Academy 1969[48] Class C
University School 1970[49] Class C
University School 1971[50] Class C
University School 1972[51] Class C
University School 1975[52] Class C
University School 1976[53] Class C
St. John’s Military Academy 1977[54] Class C
University School 1978[55] Class C
University School 1979[56] Class C
Racine Lutheran 1980[57] Class C
Racine Lutheran 1981[58] Class C
Racine Lutheran 1982[59] Class C
Wayland Academy 1983[60] Class C
Girls Track & Field
School Year Division
Wisconsin Lutheran 1972[61] Single Division
Wisconsin Lutheran 1973[62] Single Division

References

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  1. ^ a b c d e f "Prep Conference for Wisconsin is Formed". Green Bay Press-Gazette. 9 April 1940. p. 13. Retrieved 6 January 2025.
  2. ^ a b "Wayland Places Two Players on All Prep Eleven". Beaver Dam Daily Citizen. 26 November 1945. p. 8. Retrieved 6 January 2025.
  3. ^ a b c "Lutheran High Crusaders Join Wisconsin Conference". Racine Journal Times. 31 March 1950. p. 15. Retrieved 6 January 2025.
  4. ^ a b c Brehm, Keith (10 March 1952). "Lutheran 3d; New Prep Loop Set". Racine Journal Times. p. 11. Retrieved 6 January 2025.
  5. ^ a b Trower, Ralph (11 September 1954). "Lutheran High Faces Grid Rebuilding Task". Racine Journal Times. p. 12. Retrieved 6 January 2025.
  6. ^ a b c d Trower, Ralph (30 November 1955). "NW Prep, Wayland, MCD Loom Strong in Midwest Prep". Racine Journal Times. p. 35. Retrieved 6 January 2025.
  7. ^ a b c d "3 Milwaukee Prep Schools to Merge". Appleton Post-Crescent. 8 September 1963. p. 2. Retrieved 6 January 2025.
  8. ^ a b c "Lake Forest, Wayland Quit Midwest Prep". Racine Journal Times. 15 November 1963. p. 17. Retrieved 6 January 2025.
  9. ^ a b UPI (18 January 1964). "Concordia in Midwest Conference". Beaver Dam Daily Citizen. p. 5. Retrieved 6 January 2025.
  10. ^ a b UPI (23 January 1965). "Fox Valley Lutheran Joins Midwest Prep Athletic Conference". Sheboygan Press. p. 18. Retrieved 6 January 2025.
  11. ^ a b "Wayland Is Returning To Midwest Prep Conference". Beaver Dam Daily Citizen. 28 January 1965. p. 6. Retrieved 6 January 2025.
  12. ^ a b Witt, Ron (9 October 1970). "FVL, Martin Luther Football Teams to Clash Here Saturday". Appleton Post-Crescent. p. 17. Retrieved 6 January 2025.
  13. ^ a b Finneman, John (30 September 1969). "Prep Spotlight". Racine Journal Times. p. 16. Retrieved 6 January 2025.
  14. ^ a b "Concordia University". Encyclopedia of Milwaukee. 2016. Retrieved 6 January 2025.
  15. ^ a b "Catholic Loop Retains Cadets, Admits Foxes". Green Bay Press-Gazette. 3 November 1970. p. 13. Retrieved 6 January 2025.
  16. ^ a b "St. Mary's in League". Racine Journal Times. 10 November 1970. p. 11. Retrieved 6 January 2024.
  17. ^ a b Anderson, John (19 December 1973). "Catholic Conference Changes Name, Adds Milwaukee Lutheran". Racine Journal Times. p. 1. Retrieved 6 January 2025.
  18. ^ a b "To Join Little Ten". Waukesha County Freeman. 24 September 1973. p. 13. Retrieved 6 January 2025.
  19. ^ a b "Classic League Nice for St. John's Cagers While It Lasted: Kaufmann". Waukesha County Freeman. 22 March 1974. p. 8. Retrieved 6 January 2025.
  20. ^ a b c d e f g h "Private school leagues merge". Kenosha News. 30 November 1982. p. 20. Retrieved 6 January 2025.
  21. ^ "Scoreboard (see Cross Country, WISAA)". Racine Journal Times. 2 November 1975. pp. 2D. Retrieved 6 January 2025.
  22. ^ "Wayland Harriers 8th in State Meet". Beaver Dam Daily Citizen. 1 November 1976. p. 12. Retrieved 6 January 2025.
  23. ^ "Aquinas harriers win state title". La Crosse Tribune. 30 October 1977. p. 27. Retrieved 6 January 2025.
  24. ^ "Roncalli boys second, girls fourth in WISAA cross country meets". Manitowoc Herald-Times-Reporter. 31 October 1982. p. 6. Retrieved 6 January 2025.
  25. ^ Lindstrom, Don (7 November 1976). "Burlington St. Mary's ends Apostles' title bid". Wisconsin State Journal. p. 30. Retrieved 6 January 2025.
  26. ^ Hoffmann, Gregg (6 November 1977). "Happy Birthday Tom Aldrich!". Racine Journal Times. p. 37. Retrieved 6 January 2025.
  27. ^ UPI (6 November 1978). "Burlington takes crown". Kenosha News. p. 23. Retrieved 6 January 2025.
  28. ^ "Northwestern Prep takes WISAA Class B title easily". Wisconsin State Journal. 8 November 1980. p. 14. Retrieved 6 January 2025.
  29. ^ Armstrong, Jim (8 November 1981). "St. Mary's reaches 'top of the hill'". Racine Journal Times. p. 25. Retrieved 6 January 2025.
  30. ^ UPI (3 November 1975). "Soccer Winner". Beaver Dam Daily Citizen. p. 15. Retrieved 6 January 2025.
  31. ^ "Aquinas Girls Place 7th in WISAA State Tennis". La Crosse Tribune. 11 October 1976. p. 11. Retrieved 6 January 2025.
  32. ^ "Aquinas girls fourth in WISAA state tennis". La Crosse Tribune. 9 October 1977. p. 28. Retrieved 6 January 2025.
  33. ^ "WISAA girls tennis finishes in title tie". Wisconsin State Journal. 8 October 1978. p. 25. Retrieved 6 January 2025.
  34. ^ "University School takes net crown". Appleton Post-Crescent. 10 October 1982. p. 49. Retrieved 6 January 2025.
  35. ^ Pufall, Dick (10 March 1975). "Crusaders overcome a legend, win B". Racine Journal Times. p. 11. Retrieved 6 January 2025.
  36. ^ "Baylon, Heiling Honored". Beaver Dam Daily Citizen. 9 March 1979. p. 12. Retrieved 6 January 2025.
  37. ^ "Milwaukee Lutheran WISAA Golf Champion". Racine Journal Times. 24 May 1969. p. 10. Retrieved 7 January 2025.
  38. ^ UPI (25 May 1969). "MUS Snares First WISAA Tennis Title". Green Bay Press-Gazette. p. 40. Retrieved 7 January 2025.
  39. ^ "Zmolek Edged in Finals". Oshkosh Northwestern. 24 May 1971. p. 22. Retrieved 7 January 2025.
  40. ^ AP (21 May 1972). "University School Is Tennis Champ". Wisconsin State Journal. p. 26. Retrieved 7 January 2025.
  41. ^ AP (21 May 1973). "University School Wins Net Crown". Sheboygan Press. p. 25. Retrieved 7 January 2025.
  42. ^ AP (19 May 1974). "MUS Takes Fourth Straight WISAA Net Championship". Green Bay Press-Gazette. p. 46. Retrieved 7 January 2025.
  43. ^ "University School Cops WISAA Tennis Tourney". La Crosse Tribune. 18 May 1975. p. 30. Retrieved 7 January 2025.
  44. ^ "Wildcats win tennis crown". Appleton Post-Crescent. 23 May 1976. p. 43. Retrieved 7 January 2025.
  45. ^ AP (21 May 1978). "Milw. University School wins WISAA tennis crown". La Crosse Tribune. p. 33. Retrieved 7 January 2025.
  46. ^ AP (20 May 1979). "University School wins WISAA tennis crown". Wisconsin State Journal. p. 28. Retrieved 7 January 2025.
  47. ^ "University School wins title". Oshkosh Northwestern. 27 May 1980. p. 5. Retrieved 7 January 2025.
  48. ^ UPI (26 May 1969). "Wayland Wins in WISAA Class "C" Track Tourney". Beaver Dam Daily Citizen. p. 4. Retrieved 7 January 2025.
  49. ^ "Pius Wins WISAA Track Title". La Crosse Tribune. 24 May 1970. p. 17. Retrieved 7 January 2025.
  50. ^ "Janssen and Van Groll Pace Chuters to 2nd in State Class C". Appleton Post-Crescent. 23 May 1971. p. 42. Retrieved 7 January 2025.
  51. ^ "Angels 4th in WISAA Track". Racine Journal Times. 21 May 1972. p. 15. Retrieved 7 January 2025.
  52. ^ "Redmen Earn 6th in Class C Track". Beaver Dam Daily Citizen. 27 May 1975. p. 4. Retrieved 7 January 2025.
  53. ^ "University School, Kliefgen Sparkle". Green Bay Press-Gazette. 23 May 1976. p. 39. Retrieved 7 January 2025.
  54. ^ "Apostles trackmen fourth with three individual titles". Wisconsin State Journal. 22 May 1977. p. 34. Retrieved 7 January 2025.
  55. ^ "Vondra wins two titles at state WISAA track meet". Wisconsin State Journal. 21 May 1978. p. 32. Retrieved 7 January 2025.
  56. ^ "WISAA Boys C". Fond du Lac Reporter. 20 May 1979. p. 11. Retrieved 7 January 2025.
  57. ^ "Holy Name places fourth in WISAA track". Wisconsin State Journal. 25 May 1980. p. 24. Retrieved 7 January 2025.
  58. ^ "Crusaders 3rd". Fond du Lac Reporter. 24 May 1981. p. 15. Retrieved 7 January 2025.
  59. ^ "Lancers place fourth, sixth in WISAA state track meet". Manitowoc Herald-Times-Reporter. 30 May 1982. p. 5. Retrieved 7 January 2025.
  60. ^ AP (22 May 1983). "Goldman wins Class C discus". Wisconsin State Journal. p. 64. Retrieved 7 January 2025.
  61. ^ Lucas, Mike (31 May 1972). "A.M. Report (Mack's Carol Joas sets mark)". Chippewa Herald-Telegram. p. 16.
  62. ^ "St. John girls take 4th in WISAA track test". Appleton Post-Crescent. 21 May 1973. p. 22. Retrieved 7 January 2025.
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