The Salem Wildcats will be in a new conference for the 2026-27 school year. The school was invited and has voted to accept the invitation to join the Southern Illinois River to River. Without specifics at this point, it appears Salem will join the Ohio Division, unless there is realignment. That division includes Carterville, Harrisburg, Herrin, Massac County and Murphysboro.
Salem will leave the Cahokia Conference after their expansion has pushed them out of the league similar to the Apollo Conference before that.
The Mississippi Division of the conference already has 6 schools including Anna, Benton, DuQuoin, Frankfort, Nashville and Pinckneyville.
Athletic Director and football coach Kevin Greene telling WJBD/WSIQ that he really hasn’t had time to digest it all yet adding, “this all happened so fast. We sure weren’t looking to change leagues, but felt like we were sort of backed into a corner travel wise,” saying “We are appreciative they offered us a landing spot and hope this will be a home for us for quite some time.”
The coaches reacted as well. Boys basketball coach Pete Colclasure saying he’s mostly excited to see some new schools and gyms and compete against new coaches. Volleyball coach Nicki Brubaker adding that she believes they will be more competitive in the River to River.
