For the second time in as many years, a new school will be joining Brandon and the rest of the Flint Metro League.
The league’s member schools unanimously agreed to vote in Swartz Creek, currently a member of the Big Nine Conference, as the ninth school in the league, beginning with the 2006-07 school year. The vote came at an Oct. 11 meeting of the league’s principals.
This year, Clio, also a former Big Nine Conference member, joined the Flint Metro League.
Brandon High School principal Dr. Michael Ferguson, who was one of the Flint Metro principals that unanimously agreed to vote in Swartz Creek, said there are a couple key components to the application process.
First, a subcommittee of principals and athletic directors from other Flint Metro schools visit the high school applying for membership. Afterwards, the applicant sends a team of administrators, teachers and student leaders for a complete screening interview before the principals and athletic directors from the member schools.
Swartz Creek athletic director Sue Calvo said moving to the Flint Metro will make for a better situation for the Dragons.
‘We just think the Metro is a better fit for Swartz Creek,? she said. ‘The Metro is a very competitive league.?
She said the league sent Swartz Creek an invitation to join, and after reviewing the situation with Swartz Creek High School principal Mike Vanderlip, decided to apply for membership.
Calvo said one of the main reasons the Flint Metro makes more sense for Swartz Creek is that the schools are more evenly matched in terms of enrollment, as opposed to the Big Nine, where the Dragons often went up against much larger schools such as Grand Blanc and Flint Powers.
‘There’s not just one school that’s beating everyone,? Calvo said. ‘We’re excited to come in and be competitive.?
According to Ferguson, Swartz Creek High School’s student population this year is 1,230, nearly identical to Brandon High School’s population of 1,247.
‘They’re a nice fit for the league,? Ferguson said of Swartz Creek.
Ferguson said in addition to competing in athletics, Flint Metro League schools get together for other activities, such as Student Council meetings and Quiz Bowl challenges. He also said principals, athletic directors and counselors from Flint Metro schools get together regularly to exchange ideas.