From independent to big 8

Stockbridge gets new conference

Connor Fitzimmons, Reporter • January 23, 2024

Stockbridge joins seven other teams to make up the Big 8 conference again.

At approximately 6 p.m. on January 29, the school announced that they found a new home with the Big 8 conference. The Big 8 consists of Bronson, Concord, Maple Valley, Quincy, Reading, Springport and Union City. With this news, junior athletes and coaches expressed their happiness to be part of a conference again.
“One of the best things about being in a conference is [that the players] have all-league or conference awards,” varsity baseball coach Mark Vanderboom said. “Having that next year for our upcoming seniors is amazing. Any of our guys on varsity can get it, but it really gives us something for them to strive for.”
In addition to coach Vanderbloom’s excitement to get a conference, athletes like junior Jayden Pilch also expressed their joy to be part of the Big 8.
“Having a conference gives us more to compete for, especially for the awards,” Pilch said. “I’m looking forward to traveling to these places and seeing how [the teams] play.”

About the Contributors

Connor Fitzimmons, Reporter

Connor Fitzsimmons joined the Uncaged team this year. Fitzsimmons has played baseball all four years of high school. He enjoys watching any football game no matter what. He has also been accepted into St. Petersburg community college for journalism. Fitzsimmons also enjoys video games like Madden and 2k. Not only does he watch football, he also watches baseball games too. He has been to 3 out of 29 football stadiums, and 2 of 30 baseball stadiums. He also has a love for music and listens to country and rap mainly. His favorite artists are Zach Bryan, Morgan Wallen, Bigxthaplug, ThatmexicanOT, and Lil Tjay.

Olyvia Hoard, Social Media Manager

Social Media Manager Olyvia Hoard, a senior, joined Uncaged during her freshman year. She enjoys photography, cheerleading, reading, and writing. She is a painter, and loves her dogs more than anything else.