Ames Athletic Director recommends joining Little Hawkeye Conference for improved competitiveness

Ames Community School District (CSD) is considering a significant shift in its athletic conference affiliation, with plans to potentially move from the Iowa Alliance to the Little Hawkeye Conference. This decision, discussed during the school board meeting on March 24, 2025, is driven by a desire to enhance student participation and competitive equity in athletics.

The current Iowa Alliance conference has presented challenges, including increased travel distances and declining gate receipts. Ames CSD has noted that while participation in athletics has improved since leaving the Central Iowa Metropolitan League (CIML) four years ago, the disparity in competition levels has led to overwhelming victories in some sports, particularly swimming and tennis. This has raised concerns about the quality of competition and the availability of lower-level offerings, such as junior varsity games in girls' soccer and softball.

The school board highlighted the need for a more stable and equitable conference environment. The Little Hawkeye Conference, which has a history of strong community alignment and competitive balance, has been identified as a promising alternative. Ames CSD officials believe that joining this conference could not only improve competitive opportunities but also enhance community engagement through more competitive games, which tend to attract larger audiences and increase gate receipts.

Ames CSD has until June 1 to notify the Iowa Alliance of its decision if it chooses to switch to the Little Hawkeye Conference for the 2026-2027 school year. The board is weighing the pros and cons of this potential move, considering factors such as travel distances, historical rivalries, and the overall impact on student-athletes.

In addition to athletics, the Little Hawkeye Conference offers opportunities in fine arts, which could further benefit students. The board is expected to make a formal recommendation regarding the conference switch in the upcoming April meeting, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing student experiences and participation in all areas of school life.