School districts announce new athletic league

Carrollton Exempted Village Schools, Claymont City Schools, Fairless Local Schools, Marlington Local Schools, Minerva Local Schools, Sandy Valley Local Schools, Tuscarawas Valley Local Schools and Tuslaw Local Schools have announced the formation of a new interscholastic athletic league.

The conference will bring together eight established programs from Carroll, Stark and Tuscarawas counties and is scheduled to begin competition in the 2028-29 school year.

“These schools are bound by more than geography,” representatives of the founding superintendents said. “We share longstanding rivalries and a commitment to providing competitive, student-centered athletic and scholastic opportunities.”

Officials said the member schools share decades of competitive history, including former Senate League ties and long-standing rivalries that have helped define high school athletics in Northeast Ohio.

The districts said competitive balance was a key factor in forming the league, noting the schools compete at similar levels in multiple sports. They said the alignment is expected to improve scheduling consistency and postseason preparation.

“Our goal is stability,” the superintendents said. “Stability for our students, our coaches, our communities, and our athletic programs. The conference is built to last.”

Additional details on league bylaws, scheduling and the hiring of a conference commissioner will be announced later.

Founding members

Carrollton High School

Claymont City Schools

Fairless High School

Marlington High School

Minerva High School

Sandy Valley High School

Tuscarawas Valley High School

Tuslaw High School