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Understanding the CIML

CIML Logos
Posted: Jun 19, 2024

The 2022-2023 school year marked yet another change in the long history of the Central Iowa Metropolitan League (CIML) as nine schools began 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 that time, 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 marked 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:

  • Since 1991, current CIML teams have won a State Championship 250 times (38.94% of all opportunities).
  • Since 1991, each member school has won a State Championship in at least two sports.
  • In the 2016, 2019, & 2023, the eight league schools won 15 State Championships for that school year. 
  • Since 1991, a CIML school won no less than 5 State Championships annually in 24 of the 33 years.
  • 81.25% of the State Football and State Baseball Champions since 2000 have come from the CIML.
  • Since 1991, the fewest number of State Championships in any sport (Boys Bowling & Girls Tennis) from a CIML member is four.

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.