February 13, 2026
Eight Area Schools Announce Formation of a 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 jointly announced today the formation of a new interscholastic athletic league.
The league will bring together eight long-established programs from Carroll, Stark, and Tuscarawas Counties that share deep-rooted athletic traditions, geographic proximity, and decades of competitive history. The league is scheduled to begin competition in the 2028-2029 school year.
“These schools are bound by more than geography,” said representatives of the founding superintendents. “We share longstanding rivalries and a commitment to providing competitive, student-centred athletic and scholastic opportunities.”
All of the founding members were once in the old Senate League and have competed against one another for generations, helping to define high school athletics in Northeast Ohio. These schools represent long-standing rivalries throughout the region that have been staples of Friday nights and tournament brackets for generations, filling stadiums and energizing communities. Rooted in the shared history of former Senate League competition and decades of regional play, these programs come together as founding members of a league built on tradition, intensity, and pride.
The Conference reflects competitive balance, with member schools competing similarly in sports. This alignment was a key factor in the league’s formation and is expected to enhance scheduling consistency and postseason preparation.
“Our goal is stability,” the superintendents noted. “Stability for our students, our coaches, our communities, and our athletic programs. The conference is built to last.”
Additional details regarding league bylaws, scheduling, and the hiring of a conference commissioner will be announced at a later date.
Founding Members of the Conference:
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
This is a great opportunity for student-athletes and the communities served by the member schools.