By DOUG DONNELLY

OTTAWA LAKE – Whiteford will move to the Toledo Area Athletic Conference for football only starting next season in a move school officials say brings stability to the schedule and gives the Bobcat athletes something to play for.

“The opportunity to be part of a league is what is best for our students moving forward,” said Whiteford Athletic Director Marcus Luzier.

Whiteford was set to play an independent football schedule for the next two seasons against all eight members of the Lenawee County Athletic Association, but TAAC officials approached the district recently with an invitation to join the league, which was down to four schools this year but now is seven schools strong.

“It will only strengthen our sport of football,” TAAC Commissioner Rick Kaifas said.

Luzier presented the idea to the Whiteford board of education on Monday, which approved of the decision. He said he is grateful to the LCAA members for agreeing to the schedule but, ultimately, a chance to be a league member with an opportunity to win a league title and have student-athletes earn recognition won out.

“I appreciate the LCAA adding us as a non-league partner, but, unfortunately, that wasn’t a long-term solution,” Luzier said. “We want to continue our relationship with the LCAA schools for non-league games. I hope that continues. This move was in the best interest of the school.”

Earlier Monday, Erie Mason sent a letter accepting the invitation for them to join the TAAC for football only as well. The third current Tri-County Conference 11-player football member, Summerfield, was also invited. Kaifas said earlier Monday he hasn’t heard a decision from them at this time.

“I think once Whiteford and Erie Mason make the decision, the dominoes will fall,” Kaifas said. “I’m hopeful.”

Kaifas said the TAAC is open to having the three Michigan schools become full time members of the conference for all sports down the road.

“As the commissioner of the TAAC, I sure am hoping so,” he said. “We’re trying to expand our horizons a little bit and hoping that maybe, because of the situation of all three schools, this could be a fit. The nice thing about the three schools we are looking at in Michigan is they are in close proximity to us.”

The TAAC dates back to 1988 and has gone through numerous changes to membership since.

This year, Edon, Ottawa Hills, Montpelier and Hilltop were the four members of the league playing 11-man football. Whiteford and Erie Mason make six and Pioneer North Central makes seven starting in 2025. More teams have been invited and Kaifas said the league is open to expanding.

The Tri-County Conference was formed in 1973 with five members from Washtenaw, Monroe and Lenawee Counties. Whiteford joined two seasons later, in 1975, and has been a member of the southeast Michigan league since. Erie Mason’s first year in the TCC was 2020.