WOOSTER -- When the Ohio Cardinal Conference inquired to Triway about possibly joining, school policy is that the Titans listen.

However, Triway assistant principal Steve Kauffman said after careful consideration, the school has decided to stay in the Principals Athletic Conference. In fact, other than a few long road trips, the Titans couldn't be much more comfortable in the league they've called home since 2005.

"We feel we're where we belong," Kauffman said. "It's not a benefit for us to leave for the OCC.

"Really, we're having a lot of fun in the PAC."

The OCC gave a presentation to Triway this fall and asked the school to report back on its decision in the spring.

Kauffman said talks among administrators and a poll of the school's coaches led to an overwhelming majority that wanted to stay where they're at.

"We think the OCC is a great league and wanted to let them know our decision as soon as possible," Kauffman said.

However, Kauffman said the Titans "fit in just right" in the PAC, where they've won some titles and been in the middle of the pack in other sports.

"The competition is real good for us and there are a lot of extras we like in the league, like the sportsmanship day and end-of-the-year banquets for the different sports seasons," he said. "For the nature of our athletic pool, it's a real good fit."

Triway's enrollment numbers have dropped off in recent years, with the Titans dropping from Div. II to III in both basketball and wrestling.

While travel to OCC schools would be closer, Kauffman said that the distance for non-league games would increase.

"If we were playing schools like Orrville, West Holmes and Wooster in league games, then we'd have to go farther for non-conference games," he said.

Kauffman admitted the Wayne County Athletic League would probably be the "perfect" league for Triway as far as size of schools and competition, but "that would never happen."

The WCAL has had the same eight schools since 1970.

Triway turned down an early invitation to join the OCC prior to its inception in 2003. However, Triway then asked to be included only to have Clear Fork selected instead to join Ashland, Lexington, Madison, Mansfield Senior, Orrville, West Holmes and Wooster.

Shelby was also offered to join the OCC at the same time as Triway this fall, but no word has come from the Whippets as to what their decision is.

Fidmeister wrote: Mount Vernon is a founding member of the original OCC. Also, you have to remember that membership in this OCC would mean no members of the Central District on Mount Vernon's conference schedule.

Mount Vernon will never be a member of the Cardinal Conference.