THE MINNEAPOLIS SCHOOL DISTRICT HAS A MESSAGE FOR MINNEAPOLIS SOUTH: NOT SO FAST

According to Jason Gonzalez from the Minneapolis Star Tribune, "The Minneapolis School District says South High School isn't taking its football team to another conference without district approval.

A statement released Thursday night by Minneapolis Public Schools' Chief Administrative Officer Mark Bollinger said the district would deny any athletic conference change based on the information it has been given about South’s plans.

South officials told the Star Tribune that the school intends to move its football program to the Lake Conference beginning in 2013.

"With the limited facts that have been shared with us, the superintendent would not approve any conference change at this time," Bollinger's statement said. "Any decision concerning schools changing athletic conferences is subject to approval from the superintendent."

South football coach Lenny Sedlock has said he and athletic director Mark Sanders were confident they did not need district consent to change conferences, but were pursuing approval out of respect.

Bollinger’s statement also said the district has not received any official request from South to change conferences.

Two school officials familiar with the discussions said South administration and several parents met with Bollinger and other district officials earlier this month to propose why the change would be beneficial to the city school.

According to the district, the Minneapolis City Conference has never had a member leave to pursue other competition."

MINNEAPOLIS SOUTH SEEKS TO JOIN THE LAKE CONFERENCE

Minneapolis South High School is looking to leave the Minneapolis City Conference and join the Lake Conference.

According to Jason Gonzalez of the Minneapolis Star Tribune, “Minneapolis South, one of the oldest schools and football programs in the Twin Cities, plans to leave behind the Minneapolis City Conference for a chance to compete in the formidable Lake Conference.

South officials cited a need to keep up with change -- it recently was assigned to Class 6A with the state's biggest schools -- and a desire to rebuild its football tradition by playing stronger competition and retaining student-athletes who might otherwise leave for better programs. The football team would begin play in the suburban-based Lake Conference in 2013.”

Currently the Lake Conference is made up of Eden Prairie, Edina, Hopkins, Minnetonka, and Wayzata High Schools.