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Benson Schools Join Sauk Centre Athletic Conference

  //health-fitness.news-articles.net/content/2026/ .. chools-join-sauk-centre-athletic-conference.html
  Published in Health and Fitness on Friday, February 20th 2026 at 19:34 GMT by West Central Tribune, Willmar, Minn.
      Locales: Minnesota, UNITED STATES

Benson, Minnesota - February 21st, 2026 - Benson Public Schools has officially announced its move to the Sauk Centre-based athletic conference, a decision hailed by school officials and community members as a pivotal moment for the future of Benson athletics. This transition comes after a period of realignment following Benson's exit from the Big Lake Conference, and promises a more strategically aligned and competitive environment for its student-athletes.

The decision wasn't made lightly. For years, Benson's placement within the Big Lake Conference presented logistical challenges and, increasingly, competitive imbalances. Travel distances were substantial, impacting student-athlete fatigue and increasing costs for transportation. More importantly, the disparity in school sizes and athletic program focus led to consistent challenges for Benson teams. While the Big Lake Conference served Benson well for a time, the evolving demographics and athletic priorities of member schools necessitated a change.

Sauk Centre emerged as the ideal partner after a thorough evaluation process. Located approximately 45 miles from Benson, the distance represents a considerable improvement over the previous conference commitments. This proximity will significantly reduce travel time and expenses, allowing student-athletes to focus more on their training and academic pursuits. But the benefits extend far beyond just logistics.

"We weren't just looking for a geographically closer conference," explained Benson Public Schools Superintendent, Rebecca Olson, in a press conference this morning. "We were seeking a partner that shared our commitment to providing a well-rounded athletic experience for all students, regardless of their skill level. Sauk Centre embodies those values."

Sauk Centre's school size is comparable to Benson's, creating a more level playing field across various sports. Both schools offer a comprehensive range of athletic programs, from football and basketball to volleyball, track and field, and more. This ensures that Benson students will have opportunities to compete in all the sports they enjoy, without facing overwhelming odds or a lack of comparable opponents.

The formation of this unified conference isn't simply about competition; it's about community building. School officials from both districts anticipate increased collaboration in areas such as coaching development, facility sharing, and joint athletic events. This collaborative spirit is expected to enrich the overall athletic experience for students in both communities.

"We envision this as more than just an athletic partnership," stated Sauk Centre's Athletic Director, Mark Hansen. "We want to foster a sense of camaraderie between our schools and create a supportive environment where student-athletes can thrive, both on and off the field."

Parents and students have largely welcomed the change. Concerns about the potential disruption of existing rivalries within the Big Lake Conference were addressed by Superintendent Olson, who emphasized that non-conference scheduling will still allow for occasional matchups with former rivals. However, the focus is now firmly on building new and meaningful relationships with Sauk Centre and other potential conference partners.

The move isn't without its challenges. Integration into a new conference requires careful coordination of schedules, policies, and procedures. Officials are working diligently to ensure a smooth transition and minimize any potential disruptions. A joint committee comprised of representatives from both school districts has been established to oversee the implementation process.

Looking ahead, the unified conference between Benson and Sauk Centre holds immense promise. It represents a strategic investment in the future of student athletics, prioritizing both competitive balance and the overall well-being of student-athletes. This isn't just a geographical shift; it's a cultural one, fostering a collaborative spirit and a shared commitment to excellence. Benson and Sauk Centre are poised to become a model for successful athletic partnerships in rural Minnesota, proving that size isn't everything - shared values and a commitment to student success are the true keys to a thriving athletic program.