It is finally official.

After two years of work, Mexico has found an athletic conference. The Midland Empire Conference’s Board of Controls announced at its Thursday meeting that Mexico, Moberly, Kirksville and Marshall will be joining the conference in the 2028-29 school year.

The expansion will set up an East and West division, with Mexico being in the East Division along with Moberly, Kirksville, Marshall and Chillicothe. Current member schools — Benton, Bishop LeBlond, Cameron, Excelsior Springs, Maryville and Savannah will make up the West division. 

Athletic director Brandon Schafer said the two-division structure is in place to alleviate any travel concerns that exist for the schools. Maryville, Savannah, Benton and Bishop LeBlond — who joined the MEC when it was established in 1962 — are each three to four hours away from Mexico. Excelsior Springs, Cameron and Chillicothe are two to three hours away.

As for starting in 2028-29, this is what Schafer expected and is favorable for Mexico. He said Mexico has contracts and a schedule made for football next season, so the future will make for a smoother transition. 

Schafer said Mexico will operate as an independent for two years with the dissolution of the North Central Missouri Conference happening after this school year. He said Mexico might work something out with Moberly, Kirksville and Marshall when it comes to all-conference awards but cautioned “that’s not close to concrete at all.”

Mexico and the other new member schools accepted their letters of invitation last month. In its March 17 school board meeting, Mexico unanimously accepted its letter.

“This is an exciting opportunity to work alongside all Midland Empire activities directors in planning for conference expansion, with a focus on collaboration, alignment and long-term success of our programs,” Schafer said.