Midland Empire Conference to add four schools in 2028-29

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) — The Midland Empire Conference will add four more schools to the conference in the fall of 2028.

According to a release from MEC president Philip Pohren (Maryville superintendent), the expansion will include Kirksville, Marshall, Mexico, and Moberly. The conference will split into a two-division model with an East Division and West Division.

"This expansion will establish a new two-division structure designed to enhance competitive balance, strengthen regional rivalries, and improve travel efficiency for student-athletes and activity participants," Pohren said in a news release. "The two-division model reflects the conference's long-term commitment to providing meaningful opportunities for students while supporting the logistical realities schools face in scheduling and transportation."

Here is the East Division:

• Chillicothe
• Kirksville
• Marshall
• Mexico
• Moberly

Here is the West Division:

• Benton
• Bishop LeBlond
• Cameron
• Excelsior Springs
• Maryville
• Savannah

The MEC Board of Controls met on Thursday to approve the expansion.

The conference schools will coordinate the activity-by-activity scheduling alignment, governance expectations, and transition planning ahead of the 2028-2029 school year.