The new athletic conference that will include Ames, Marshalltown and other similar-sized schools now has a name.

The Iowa Alliance Conference.

Eleven schools will be the initial members, divided into two divisions. The north includes Ames and Marshalltown, along with Fort Dodge, Mason City and Waterloo East.

The South division is made up of East, Hoover, Lincoln, North and Roosevelt schools from Des Moines. along with Ottumwa.

The conference will open with competition next August in Cross Country, Boys Golf, Girls Swimming and Volleyball.