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Understanding the CIML

CIML Logos
Posted: Jul 25, 2022

The 2022-2023 school year marks yet another change in the long history of the Central Iowa Metropolitan League (CIML) as nine schools begin competition against one another in a singular format. 

 The nine team CIML features:

  • Ankeny
  • Ankeny Centennial
  • Dowling Catholic
  • Johnston
  • Southeast Polk
  • Urbandale
  • Waukee
  • Waukee Northwest
  • West Des Moines Valley

Play began in the CIML during the 1991-1992 school year.  Over the course of the last 31 years, the league has undergone a myriad of changes, primarily through the addition of schools and splitting from two, to three, to four, and then back to three divisions.  The 2022-2023 school year marks perhaps the most significant change in the league’s history with the departure of 10 schools from the league.

Through its storied history, the CIML has boasted some of the best teams and the best matchups night in and night out across the state.  This will only grow moving forward because for the first time, the league will feature a true round robin schedule in those sports where a conference schedule is used.

Here are some interesting facts about past success for the nine CIML schools:

  • Over the past 20 years, CIML teams have won a State Championship 193 times (45.95% of all opportunities).
  • Over the past 20 years, each member school has won a State Championship in at least two sports.
  • In the 2018-2019 school year, the eight league schools won 16 of the 22 State Championships (Waukee Northwest was not yet a school). 
  • In each of those 20 years, a CIML school won no less than 5 State Championships annually.
  • 80% of the State Football and State Baseball Champions over the last 20 years have come from the CIML.
  • Over that 20-year period, the fewest number of State Championships in any sport (Girls Tennis) from a CIML member is two.

Conference action will commence in these 21 sports this fall:

  • Boys Golf
  • Boys Cross Country
  • Girls Cross Country
  • Girls Swimming
  • Volleyball
  • Boys Swimming
  • Boys Wrestling
  • Girls Wrestling
  • Boys Bowling
  • Girls Bowling
  • Boys Basketball
  • Girls Basketball
  • Boys Track
  • Girls Track
  • Boys Soccer
  • Girls Soccer
  • Boys Tennis
  • Girls Tennis
  • Girls Golf
  • Baseball
  • Softball

 Football continues to be scheduled and managed in a statewide format by the Iowa High School Athletic Association.