via the Cascade Conference
CORVALLIS, Ore. – The Cascade Collegiate Conference is proud to officially announce a conference expansion. Hope International University will be joining the CCC as the 11th associate institution, competing in the sports of Men's and Women's Wrestling beginning this 2025-26 season, the conference announced Friday.

"We welcome the HIU Royals to the league in men's and women's wrestling," stated Commissioner Robert Cashell. "When the NAIA shifted wrestling to conference direct qualification, the CCC became the preeminent destination for wrestling programs in the West. We continue to grow and thrive in this space by offering student-athletes positive experiences."

Located in Fullerton, Calif., Hope International currently offers 23 sports, competing in the Golden State Athletic Conferences. The programs were recently announced last year in an effort to continue the University's growth and to solidify its position as a top school for athletes. Alex Driggers was named the head coach for both programs last month.

"We are incredibly honored and excited to officially join the Cascade Collegiate Conference for both our Men's and Women's Wrestling programs," stated HIU Athletic Director, Chris Morrison. "We are grateful to Commissioner Robert Cashell and the entire CCC membership for welcoming Hope International into such a strong and respected wrestling community. Our coaches and student-athletes are committed to representing the conference with integrity, character, and excellence both on and off the mat."

Men's Wrestling teams will begin competition in the winter with all 11 CCC teams competing in the Cascade Collegiate Conference Tournament, presented by U.S. bank, which will be hosted this year by Corban University in Salem, Ore., on February 20-21.

All eight CCC Women's Wrestling teams will compete in the conference tournament hosted by Southern Oregon University in Ashland, Ore., on March 1.