AKRON – The loss of an old friend has given the Tippecanoe Valley soccer team a new opportunity to make new friends.

Whitko reported this past week it will not field a boys soccer team this year due to low numbers/interest. The loss of the Three Rivers Conference neighbors means the Valley program will need a new sparring partner for its scrimmage. In place of Whitko, coach Mark Gordon noted Valley will host Lafayette Central Catholic for its scrimmage.

The scrimmage will take place Saturday, Aug. 12, with an 11 a.m. start time at Tippecanoe Valley. The Vikings open its second year of IHSAA soccer on Thursday, Aug. 17, with a home match against NorthWood.

Gordon nor the Valley athletic office announced any fill-in dates for the Sept. 18 contest against Whitko.