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Park will no longer have to travel far distances to reach their game and meet destinations. In fall 2014, Park will be joining the Metro West conference, consisting of Chaska, Chanhassen, Cooper, Richfield, Jefferson, Kennedy, and Benilde.

According to athletic director Andy Ewald, the North Suburban conference of which Park is currently a member, will not existent next year due to three schools leaving the conference.

“Chisago Lakes, North Branch, and St. Francis have left the North Suburban conference,” Ewald said. “That conference is not going to exist starting fall 2014”

The travel time of the schools in the new conference will be around half the time for three schools that have left the North Suburban conference, changing from around an hour to an average time of 20 to 30 minutes.

Senior Melrow Combs said he believes that the change of travel distance due to the new schools involved in the conference will be greatly appreciated.

“It’s better because you can get home more early,” Melrow said.

Sophomore Ashley Mogleir said she believes that a shorter travel time would make games and meets go by much faster.

“You would get there faster so you’d get it over with faster,” Mogleir said.

She also believes that reducing the travel time will benefit students with more time to do homework  and other activities

“I would like the change because then you have more time to do homework and other activities,” Mogleir said.