The Mid-Central Activities Association consisting of Ellinwood, Hoisington, Larned and Thomas Moore Prep schools will break up beginning in the 2014-2015 school year

At one time, the MCAA consisted of Collegiate, Hillsboro, Hesston, Marion, Halstead, Smoky Valley, Hoisington, Lyons Sterling, Nickerson, Haven and Ellinwood. It broke up with members citing travel distance as the reason,

After the 12 school MCAA broke up only Hoisington and Ellinwood were left. At the same time, the MSAA league broke up, leaving Larned and TMP without a league. The four schools formed the new MCAA.

There have been efforts to recruit other teams. "Our efforts to grow have yielded no results," said Joel Mason, athletic director of USD 431. A four-team league wasn’t working very well.

So, the four teams all began applying for other leagues. The only team accepted so far has been Ellinwood into the Central Prairie League for the 2014-15 year.

"The CPL is a very good fit for us," said Kip Wilson, athletic director for Ellinwood High School. "We are fortunate the process went quickly."

The applications of Hoisington, TMP and Larned to area leagues have had no luck, said Mason. The teams have the remaining part of this year and next to find a new league.

"With only three schools, the MCAA is not entitled to representation with KSHSAA," Mason said.

Each of the three remaining schools have applied to several associations, but have been told that it would include too much travel or that they are comfortable with the number of teams that they currently have.

Mason said that they have exhausted all of the alternatives.

"We have all applied to the state to be placed," the athletic director said.

"We will go to the executive board meeting in April to present our case to be placed," said Mason. "They will have to decide whether to hold a hearing whether to place us."

If the hearing is granted, it will be held in June. The teams that have rejected Hoisington, Larned and TMP will also have a chance to present their case.