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.
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.
Athletic Events
2/16/26 to 2/21/26
Unleash the Beast!!!
2/16/26 to 2/21/26
Unleash the Beast!!!
⭐️ Gold Star Performance for the Minerva High School Concert Band! 🎵
What an outstanding performance by our talented musicians!
We’re excited to announce that the band will be performing at the Malone University Band Festival on March 24th! 🎶
Go Lions! 🦁 #MinervaPride
🦁The LNN video for February 12, 2026, is now available! This week's episode covers several highlights, including:
Olympic Fun: Coverage of recent events and student-led "Olympic" activities.
Dance Etiquette: Essential tips and reminders for upcoming school dances and formal events.
ACT Info: Critical updates and resources for students preparing for upcoming testing sessions.
You can watch the full update here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OQgZaftOiO4
Olympic Fun: Coverage of recent events and student-led "Olympic" activities.
Dance Etiquette: Essential tips and reminders for upcoming school dances and formal events.
ACT Info: Critical updates and resources for students preparing for upcoming testing sessions.
You can watch the full update here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OQgZaftOiO4
Junior ACT Testing Day!
🎥 NEW EPISODE: LNN Episode 15 is LIVE! 🦁
The Lion News Network is back with a jam-packed episode! This week, we’re diving into some serious school "mysteries," hitting the court, and getting you ready for the big dance.
Inside this episode:
The Great Conspiracy
The Rematch
Student Section 101
Event Alerts
Sports Desk
Don't miss out on the action—watch the full episode here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=20aMFUZTdfk
The Lion News Network is back with a jam-packed episode! This week, we’re diving into some serious school "mysteries," hitting the court, and getting you ready for the big dance.
Inside this episode:
The Great Conspiracy
The Rematch
Student Section 101
Event Alerts
Sports Desk
Don't miss out on the action—watch the full episode here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=20aMFUZTdfk
🏀 Congratulations to our MHS Varsity Girls Basketball seniors on Senior Night Celebration— Ireland, Lillie, and Kyleigh!
We appreciate your leadership, dedication, and the example you’ve set for the program.
Best of luck in the OHSAA Tournament!
Go Lions! 🦁 #MinervaPride
It’s a GREAT day to be a Minerva Bowling Lion! 🎳
Congratulations to our outstanding seniors who have proudly carried on the tradition of Minerva Bowling Excellence. Both teams defeated Salem tonight and now hold a combined record of 30–4 on the season—AMAZING!
We are so proud of you and wish you the best of luck at the state tournaments!
Go Lions! 🦁
What a great turnout for tonight’s scheduling open house! Huge thanks to our teachers, parents, and students for such a successful evening. Go Lions! 🦁
MHS Scheduling Open House! Monday, February 2nd, 3:00 to 6:00 pm!
🏀 ⭐️ Congratulations to our #MinervaPride Boys Basketball and Cheerleading Seniors!
Thank you for your dedication, leadership, and the lasting impact you’ve made on our program and school. We’re proud of you today and always!
Go Lions! 🦁
Minerva Local Schools will be CLOSED tomorrow, Friday, January 30th. ❄️
We really hoped to get back to school tomorrow, but after spending considerable time checking the rural roads and monitoring incoming temperatures, we are going to choose to close for student safety.
RG Drage is also closed tomorrow.
Stay warm and Go Lions! 🦁
We really hoped to get back to school tomorrow, but after spending considerable time checking the rural roads and monitoring incoming temperatures, we are going to choose to close for student safety.
RG Drage is also closed tomorrow.
Stay warm and Go Lions! 🦁
❄️ SNOW DAY ALERT: Thursday, January 29th ❄️ Minerva Local Schools will be CLOSED tomorrow, Thursday, January 29th. While our amazing area road crews and school maintenance teams have been working hard, we are still facing some challenges with: Narrow roads and snow drifts Difficult turnarounds Difficult conditions at bus stops Additionally, a Cold Weather Advisory remains in place tonight through tomorrow morning, with wind chills expected to be below -10. Please note the following cancellations: All Minerva Local and EBC extracurricular events and games are canceled for tonight and tomorrow. R.G. Drage Career Center is also CLOSED tomorrow. Everyone, stay warm and Go Lions! 🦁
❄️ School Closure Alert! 🚨
Minerva Local Schools will be closed on Wednesday, January 28th due to continued winter weather and frigid temperatures.
Stay Warm and Go Lions! 🦁
❄️ Minerva Local Schools – Closed Tuesday, January 27 ❄️
Minerva Local Schools will be closed on Tuesday, January 27, due to the extreme cold weather warning and the impact of the winter snowstorm.
• All elementary and middle school events scheduled for tomorrow are cancelled or postponed.
• Decisions regarding MHS events will be made tomorrow morning.
Please stay safe and warm!
🦁 Go Lions!
❄️ School Closure Alert 🚨 Minerva Local Schools will be closed on Monday, January 26, due to the winter snowstorm. All Minerva Local School campuses will be closed. All practices, games, events, and meetings are canceled or postponed. 📌 Minerva High School Open House has been rescheduled to: Monday, February 2 | 3:00–6:00 PM Everyone stay safe, and Go Lions! 🦁
MHS Hearts Dance brought to you by MHS Student Council!
❄️ Minerva Local Schools Closed ❄️
Minerva Local Schools will be closed Tuesday, January 20th, due to the Cold Weather Advisory.
Everyone stay warm and safe — Go Lions! 🦁
🏓 Thank you to everyone who supported the MHS National Honor Society Ping Pong Ball Drop Fundraiser!
Congratulations to Nicole Drakulich — Grand Prize Winner! 🎉
Go Lions! 🦁
#MinervaPride
🦁 Congratulations to the MHS Winter Homecoming Court! 👑
Senior Queen and King Royalty: Lanae Walter and Owen Frazier!
So proud of our Lions—way to represent Minerva with class and pride! 🦁
Go Lions!
#MinervaPride
