Classic Lake Conference removes Armstrong HS

Five metro-area high schools might have to find new opponents for their sports teams, after a vote Thursday by the Classic Lake Conference.

The schools voted to remove Armstrong High, in Plymouth, from the conference in 2010 because it's losing enrollment and can't stay competitive with big schools.  Armstrong is in the Robbinsdale School District.

But that leaves only Edina, Hopkins, Wayzata, and Minnetonka left in the conference - and that might not be enough to remain viable.

Hopkins Superintendent John Schultz says while removing Armstrong was the right move, it will complicate plans for the remaining schools.

"The challenge we'll have with four schools is scheduling conference play," Schultz said, in an interview.  "If you compare other conferences, they have 12 teams - whereas we have four."

The vote still needs approval from the Minnesota State High School League.  The state league will also consider whether the CLC should continue with four schools, or whether those schools should disband and join new conferences.