This week, some big Iowa High School news broke as the Iowa Conference Realignment Committee met to consider the fates of Waverly Shell Rock and Decorah on April 29, 2026.
These two schools have been independents for some time as they were voted out by their conference brethren, and both schools have been scrambling to schedule regular season conference games in many sports (Varsity Football with district play being one notable exception).
These 2 Large Orphans got the State Legislative Branch Involved
On June 11, 2025 the State of Iowa in HF783 decreed that a new Conference Realignment Committee would be formed to address Athletic Conference issues. As Iowa is the only state with a separate Girls and Boys Athletic Association these conference issues are even more complex in the state. Politics have always been a factor in any state when it comes to High School Athletics and in this case the legislature implemented a new law to intervene. HF783_GovLetter.pdf
“The state of Iowa Conference Realignment Committee voted Wednesday to recommend Decorah and Waverly-Shell Rock join the WaMaC Conference for the 2027-28 school year, a conference that includes Williamsburg in Iowa County.
The committee voted unanimously to allow Waverly-Shell Rock to join (12-0), but split 8-5 in favor of Decorah. All parties have 60 days to appeal the decision directly to the Department of Education.” Ben Lamparek HomeTown Current May 1, 2026
The Realignment Committee Meeting was closed to the media, but the Minutes give some breadcrumbs to follow.
In Decorah’s case the meeting and approach was fascinating from reading the meeting notes. As noted above the realignment committee voted 12-0 for Waverly Shell Rock to join the WaMaC, but only 8-5 for Decorah.
CRC-Minutes-4.29.26.pdf Link to Realignment Committee Meeting notes.
Decorah went all in trying to bring similar-sized schools together, and bring some of their old conference brethren into what I would call a Viking Driven Conference.
How well was the Decorah Viking Proposal accepted?
As the Warren Zevon song goes send “Lawyers, Guns, and Money” was the approach of the day. The Schools and Conferences lined up to discuss their thoughts on Decorah. In reading through the meeting notes I captured them as quotes in order of presentation. (Source CRC-Minutes-4.29.26.pdf)
Upper Iowa Conference was represented by Shane Wahls, Superintendent, Clayton Ridge and Wendy Meyer, Attorney, Lane & Waterman LLP. Quotes from the notes on their presentation “It was noted that any action altering the current alignment would have consequences, affecting both current operations and long-term conference decisions.” and “Meyer then asked those in attendance representing the Upper Iowa Conference to raise their hands.”
Representing Allamakee CSD: Jay Mathis, Superintendent, Allamakee and Brian Hilsabeck, Athletic Director, Allamakee. “Strong opposition was expressed to being placed in a newly formed conference, with the indication that there would be little interest in remaining in such a structure long term. It was emphasized that removing Waukon from its current conference would be disruptive, as members feel they belong in their existing alignment.”
Representing Charles City CSD: Dana Sullivan, Athletic Director, Charles City and Brian
Burnight, Superintendent, Charles City. “Overall, the NCC was described as the best fit in terms of stability and school size. Concerns were raised that changes to conference alignment could divide the community, and the importance of prioritizing what is best for students was emphasized.”
Representing Howard-Winneshiek CSD: Kris Einck, Superintendent, Howard Winneshiek. “Mr. Einck believes it would actually result in significant and unnecessary change, primarily benefiting Decorah. The speaker recommended that Decorah would be better aligned with the WaMaC Conference.”
Representing New Hampton CSD: Erik Smith, Superintendent, New Hampton. “From a competitive standpoint, it was noted that athletes may find it difficult to commit under changing circumstances. Speaking on behalf of conference competition, it was emphasized that removing four districts would disrupt the competitive balance among the remaining schools.”
Representing North Fayette Valley CSD: Joe Griffith, Superintendent, North Fayette Valley. “The speaker expressed the belief that Decorah would be better suited in a conference that more closely aligns with its competitive profile and stated that they do not support the proposed new conference or Decorah being placed in the UIC.”
Representing Osage CSD: Trevor Molitor, Athletic Director, Osage and Mike Kennedy, High School Principal, Osage. “The question was posed that if not now by moving with Decorah what future opportunities would exist for realignment. Overall, it was stated that the proposal to form a new conference represents a logical option for Osage, as it would provide stronger competition and better align with current needs. The speaker emphasized that a move to a newly formed conference makes sense in the current environment.”
The meeting in Ankeny was called to order by Marty Fonley (West Monona, West Harrison, Whiting). Committee members in attendance included Trevor Miller (Exira-EHK, Audubon), Andy Crozier (Central Lee), Brent Jorth (Central Lyon), Adam Riley (Decorah), Scot Lamm (Mount Pleasant), Eric Boyle (Waukee), Tara Paul (Indianola), Bill Watson (Martensdale-St. Marys), Brandon Ruffridge (Fort Dodge), Zach Clark (Central Decatur), Deron Durflinger (Van Meter), Cade Lambert (Des Moines Christian), Brent Cook (Dubuque Senior), Barb Schwamman (Osage, Riceville), and Julie Girsch (Columbus Catholic).
Representing Decorah: Adam Riley, Activities Director, Decorah and Tim Cronin, Superintendent, Decorah, and their approach was simple and direct build a new NE Iowa Area conference Lego style. Plus, do it in true Viking style surprise raid on England approach. “Watson (Bill Watson Martensdale-St. Marys) referenced past conference alignment responsibilities and asked whether proposed schools had been contacted. Riley stated that Charles City and Osage were aware, but not all schools had been contacted.”
That form a new conference approach without all the potential schools knowing was not approved.
The Decorah proposal and vote for their new home was as follows: “Motion to accept Decorah’s application to create a new conference beginning with the 2027- 2028 school year with schools including Allamakee, Charles City, Howard Winneshiek, New Hampton, North Fayette Valley, and Osage.” “A roll call vote was taken by Fonley. Ayes: Crozier, Durflinger, Jorth, Lambert Nays: Boyle, Clark, Cook, Fonley, Girsch, Lamm, Paul, Ruffridge, Watson. Motion failed, 4-9. Decorah’s request for the creation of a conference is denied.”
Next there was a motion to include Decorah in the Upper Iowa Conference which failed 4-9.
The final Decorah action was to place Decorah in the WaMaC Conference beginning with the 2027-2028
school year. The Motion passed, 8-5. The committee recommended placement of Decorah into the WaMaC conference to begin competition in the 2027-28 school year.
https://embed.podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/chad-harberts-show-waverly-shell-rock-decorah-and/id1882617041?i=1000765656076 Apple Podcast Link from CHAD’S Show
So, with the Viking Raid to form a new conference ended, will the WaMac alignment happen?
Appeals can be filed for 60 days. The comments from Decorah and the WaMac were interesting pre-vote.
The Comments from the WaMaC Conference: Nathan Levin, Attorney, F3 Law and Matt Thede,
Athletic Director, Mount Vernon. “In closing, the conference expressed sympathy for Decorah’s situation but stated that inclusion would not be a viable option for the WaMaC Conference.”
“Crozier (Andy Crozier Central Lee), asked for clarification, noting that WaMaC had been identified as a potential fit. He asked whether Decorah would accept placement in the WaMaC if selected. Cronin (Tim Cronin, Superintendent, Decorah) responded that the school board would need to discuss that decision. It was noted that there could be an appeal from Decorah and potentially from the WaMaC.”
Following the three votes on Decorah’s status the meeting concluded with a 13-0 unanimous vote for Waverly to join the WaMac. Will the WaMac appeal the decision on Waverly? Who knows but it seems that it is likely that union will happen. The Decorah situation is more fluid as the comments on School Board approval and appeals were stated in the meeting notes.
The Vikings will land in a conference somewhere as State law was written last year to make that happen and that is a great thing for the kids, parents, and Decorah…will more appeals be coming?
As always, we appreciate your comments and thoughts.
