(Editor’s note: Cascade Collegiate Conference media release)
LA GRANDE, Ore. – The Cascade Collegiate Conference Council of Presidents’ has accepted Arizona Christian University as the latest associate member in men’s wrestling the league office announced.
“We are very excited to welcome Arizona Christian University to the CCC as an associate member in men’s wrestling,” stated CCC Commissioner Robert Cashell. “The Firestorm bolsters our member programs to eleven sponsoring the sport and certainly is part of the resurgence of programs within our conference and nationally we have seen over the last several years.”
In July of 2017 wrestling became the seventh official men’s sport in the CCC and has quickly grown. Arizona Christian University, located in Phoenix, recently added men’s wrestling on their campus under the direction of Head Coach Travis Patrick. Patrick, the former associate head coach at Menlo College, will prepare the Firestorm for competition in the CCC during the 2019-20 season.
“Arizona Christian is excited to be an associate member of the Cascade Collegiate Conference in men’s wrestling, commented ACU Director of Athletics Jeff Rutter. “Our athletic programs have a history of competition with members of the CCC, and the level of competition has always brought out the best in our teams. Membership in the CCC for our new wrestling program means ACU wrestling will immediately be aligned with top wrestling programs in the NAIA. We are thrilled to be in a position to compete for a wrestling championship and be sharpened by the quality of programs in the Cascade Collegiate Conference!”
ACU joins current associate members sponsoring wrestling: Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University- Prescott, Ariz.; Life Pacific College- San Dimas, Calif.; Menlo College- Atherton, Calif.; Montana State University Northern- Havre, Mont.; Simpson University-Redding, Calif.; University of Providence-Great Falls, Mont. Full CCC members Eastern Oregon University, Southern Oregon University, and Warner Pacific University also feature wrestling programs. Corban University announced the addition of men’s wrestling and will also begin competition during the 2019-20 season.
Providence University will be the site of the 2019 CCC Men’s Wrestling Championships Feb. 16. The 62nd Annual NAIA National Championships will be held March 1-2 in De Moines, Iowa.
