DOWAGIAC — The Wolverine Conference Board of Governors in a 9-0 vote accepted South Haven’s request to leave the league at the end of the 2019-20 school year on Nov. 13. 

The league constitution requires a school to give a two-year notice of its intent to leave.  The board, made up of league principals and athletic directors, granted their request that this be waived.

South Haven did not vote on the waiver.

“South Haven has been a valuable member of the league and has contributed a great deal to the competitiveness of the conference over the years,” said Gary Ellis, Wolverine Conference secretary. “We wish them the best as they move to the BCS next year. ”

South Haven was a charter member of the Wolverine Conference, which was formed in 1952, with competition beginning in the 1952-53 school year.  Charter members were Allegan, Otsego, Plainwell, Portage, South Haven, State High (Kalamazoo). 

During South Haven’s 68 years in the league, the Rams have won 85 conference championships, including the most of any league school in baseball (20) and softball (11) and second most in football (11). 

With the currently alignment having an odd number of schools, the league continues to seek what direction it will head with the departure of South Haven.

“While discussion about the direction of the Wolverine Conference has been going on at the athletic director and board of governor’s level, no decision has been made as to what the next steps will be,” Ellis said. “The league will fully investigate the various options it has before making a final decision. We are looking forward to what is ahead for our student-athletes, coaches and communities.”