Big Eight Conference (Wisconsin)

[4] However, it wouldn't be known as the "Big Seven" for long as Madison added a third high school on the west side of the city in 1930,[5] and they immediately became members upon opening.

[6] The original Big Eight lineup lasted for over thirty years before rapid growth created a rift that changed its membership in the modern era.

Madison opened a fourth high school on the city's far east side in 1963 named after Wisconsin politician Robert M.

[12] By this time, the Big Eight had ballooned to thirteen members (twelve after Madison Central High School closed in 1969), and along with that growth came greater problems with scheduling and travel.

[13] The five high schools in Racine and Kenosha formed the South Shore Conference after their forced removal from the Big Eight,[14] which had a tumultuous ten-year history before it was finally disbanded in 1980.