EUGENE, Ore. – Bushnell University announced on Monday that the Beacons will add two new varsity programs with men’s and women’s wrestling officially joining the sport offerings in the fall of 2027.
Bushnell athletics cites the recent rise in popularity in youth wrestling as a contributing factor in the decision to add both men’s and women’s programs at Bushnell. High School wrestling participation nationally is at its highest in over 50 years with nearly 375,000 boys and girls competing. Additionally, Bushnell will be the seventh four-year university in Oregon to sponsor the sports.
“We are thrilled to be adding to our athletic offerings with the addition of our wrestling program,” said Athletic Director Corey Anderson. “Girls Wrestling is the fastest growing high school sport in the country, and USA Wrestling has launched national campaigns to increase the popularity of the sport. National trends for high school and collegiate programs are on an upward trajectory.”
Anderson added, “We have quickly learned that there is a strong passion for men’s and women’s wrestling in Eugene, Lane County, Oregon and beyond. Once we started talking to a few, key contacts in the region about the idea of us adding an NAIA collegiate wrestling program, we immediately started having knowledgeable and passionate people reach out to us to celebrate the idea but also wanting to know how they can help. I am excited about these new relationships and partner opportunities that Bushnell Wrestling will provide us while continuing to do The Kingdom’s good work!”
The addition of two new teams will bring Bushnell’s total number of varsity teams to 19 and are the first programs to be added since Baseball came on board in 2021. The Wrestling teams will begin play in the 2027-2028 season, joining the Cascade Conference which boasts 11 men’s and eight women’s programs.
“What an exciting day for Bushnell University, the Cascade Conference, and wrestling in the West,” stated CCC Commissioner Robert Cashell. “The program immensely strengthens men’s and women’s wrestling for the conference and represents continued growth and evolution of Beacon Athletics. It is wonderful to see more opportunities for young men and women to compete in the sport they love at the collegiate level, while also pursuing an outstanding education like the one they will receive at Bushnell.”
A number of individuals and groups have made significant contributions to the launch of the Bushnell wrestling program through their knowledge, advice, and resources. Anderson said, “We are very grateful for the assistance we have received throughout our discernment process as we made the decision to move forward with our new programs. Thank you to Mike Ritchey, Roger Rolen, Doug Caffall, Tony Overstake, Kurt Davis, Larry Bielenburger, John Kowalewski, Buck Davis, Mike Moyer, Thurston High School Coach Mike Simon, Oregon State Associate Head Coach Josh Rhoden, Restore Oregon Wrestling, and the countless others who have helped us in the process.”
When Bushnell Wrestling official begins in the fall of 2027, the Beacons will host home wrestling meets in the Morse Center on the Bushnell University campus, which also serves as the home for men’s and women’s basketball and women’s volleyball. A planned practice facility and home for Beacons Wrestling will be developed, located within campus property that was recently acquired by Bushnell University.
“We are excited to add men’s and women’s wrestling as our 18th and 19th intercollegiate sports on campus,” said Joseph D. Womack, Ed.D., Bushnell University’s president. “Bushnell Wrestling will complement the educational and co-curricular activities at a Christ-centered University like ours because each practice and each competition provide the student-athlete with an opportunity to gain in wisdom, faith and service.”
Bushnell will immediately open a national search to fill Head Coach positions for both the men’s and women’s programs. Interested parties are encouraged to contact Athletic Director Corey Anderson (canderson@bushnell.edu) or visit the job listing at bushnell.edu/careers.
Current high school and junior college athletes interested in joining Bushnell Wrestling are encouraged to complete the player interest form located at bushnellbeacons.com/wrestling.