In an attempt to make sports conferences more evenly matched and ensure schools competing are demographically similar,
West Metro principals appealed Benilde-St. Margaret’s placement in the conference.

The Minnesota State High School League met Oct. 21 for an appeal hearing to decide if Benilde is a suitable choice for the West Metro conference. The final decision is expected by Oct. 31, according to athletic director Andy Ewald.

West Metro high school principals disagreed with Benilde’s placement in the conference after the reconstruction process, and filed an appeal to the league Sept. 26.

Girls’ soccer assistant coach Brad Brubaker said he thinks Benilde’s different values make it unfit for the conference.

“I think they as a private school operate with different philosophical guiding,” he said. “A private school has to recruit (athletes), and Benilde aggresively recruits.”

Ewald said the principals decided to appeal because they thought Benilde was a bad fit for the conference.

“The motivation to appeal is the same as when we denied their application,” Ewald said. “We don’t feel like they are a good fit, and we think they belong in another conference.”

Freshman Jack Lynch said he would be disappointed if the league removed Benilde from the West Metro conference, since he en- joys having a strong competitor.

“It’s nice having a rival in our conference, someone we can compare ourselves to every year,” Lynch said.