INDIANAPOLIS – Yesterday, IHSAA Commissioner Bobby Cox participated in conversations with Jim Delaney, Commissioner of the Big Ten Conference and subsequent discussions with Athletic Directors Fred Glass of Indiana University and Mike Bobinski of Purdue University regarding the conference’s decision to stage a small selection of conference football games on Friday nights beginning in the 2017 season.

State high school associations historically have opposed this overture from the collegiate level attempting to preserve Friday nights for the high school game. While the IHSAA has supported this concept in theory previously, it also recognizes and respects the position of our state universities and their conference responsibilities.

“The IHSAA believes that the most recent decision of the Big Ten Conference to play a limited number games on Friday nights represents a positive opportunity to collectively cross promote our football programs and continue to grow this great sport in our state,” stated Commissioner Cox. “I have the utmost respect for both Fred Glass and Mike Bobinski and I’m confident, through their leadership, both the collegiate and high school games will benefit from this fresh thinking.”