Skip to navigation Skip to content Skip to footer

Understanding the CIML

CIML Logos
Posted: Jan 03, 2025

The 2024-2025 academic year brings continued developments to the Central Iowa Metropolitan League (CIML), one of the most competitive high school athletic conferences in Iowa. Following the significant restructuring in the 2022-2023 school year, the nine remaining schools are poised for another dynamic season under the singular league format.

The nine-team CIML features the following schools:

  • Ankeny

  • Ankeny Centennial

  • Dowling Catholic

  • Johnston

  • Southeast Polk

  • Urbandale

  • Waukee

  • Waukee Northwest

  • West Des Moines Valley

Historical Context and Evolution of the CIML

The CIML was established during the 1991-1992 school year and has undergone numerous changes over its storied history. These include expansions, divisional realignments, and, most notably, the departure of 10 schools before the 2022-2023 season. This departure marked one of the most significant transformations in the league’s history, as it adopted a singular format featuring a true round-robin schedule in sports with conference play. This change has amplified the intensity and frequency of high-quality matchups.

Success and Achievements

The CIML has long been synonymous with excellence, producing some of the best teams and athletes in the state. Below are some notable statistics highlighting the success of the nine current CIML schools:

  • Since 1991, CIML schools have collectively won 250 State Championships, accounting for 38.94% of all state titles awarded in Iowa.

  • Every current CIML school has won a State Championship in at least two sports since 1991.

  • The league has seen remarkable dominance in certain years, such as 2016, 2019, and 2023, when its schools secured 15 State Championships in a single academic year.

  • CIML schools have won at least five State Championships annually in 24 of the past 33 years.

  • 81.25% of State Football and State Baseball titles since 2000 have been won by CIML schools.

Sports and Competition

The CIML continues to offer competition in 21 sports, emphasizing comprehensive athletic participation and excellence. Conference action begins this fall in:

  • Boys Golf

  • Boys Cross Country

  • Girls Cross Country

  • Girls Swimming

  • Volleyball

  • Boys Swimming

  • Boys Wrestling

  • Girls Wrestling

  • Boys Bowling

  • Girls Bowling

  • Boys Basketball

  • Girls Basketball

  • Boys Track

  • Girls Track

  • Boys Soccer

  • Girls Soccer

  • Boys Tennis

  • Girls Tennis

  • Girls Golf

  • Baseball

  • Softball

Football remains scheduled and managed in a statewide format by the Iowa High School Athletic Association, separate from CIML conference play.

Looking Ahead

As the 2024-2025 academic year progresses, the CIML continues to build on its legacy of competitive excellence. The true round-robin schedule ensures that fans and athletes alike will experience thrilling matchups throughout the year. The commitment of these nine schools to fostering athletic and academic success cements the CIML’s reputation as one of the premier high school athletic conferences in Iowa.