Westcliff Athletics Adds Men's Wrestling and joins the Cascade

By: Chase Dodge

Westcliff Athletics is glad to officially announce the addition of Men's Wrestling, which will look to compete in the winter of 2024.

Men's Wrestling will join the Women's Wrestling team in the Cascade Collegiate Conference as an associate member. 

"I'm excited to share news of a significant expansion of the Westcliff Athletics family.

 Men's wrestling will be added as a new sport beginning in 2024, strengthening our dedication to athletic achievement and giving our gifted 5Cs student-athletes another venue to demonstrate their abilities.

 I am tremendously honored to be able to watch this unique chapter in Westcliff's athletics history come to life, and I excitedly look forward to the amazing accomplishments and priceless experiences that lie ahead of us on the wrestling mats underneath Coach D'Rell Gist's leadership. Here We Grow Again!!!" - Dean of Athletics Shawn Harris

 We talked to Coach Gist about adding the Men's Wrestling team and joining the Cascade Conference. 

"It feels awesome that we added men's wrestling. It provides another opportunity for California wrestlers to get an education and compete, which is amazing. I'm super excited. 

 Cascade is arguably the toughest conference for men and women wrestling.

So, coming to Westcliff, you are guaranteed to compete with the toughest teams in the country.

The cascade offers the toughest competition in the NAIA by far. 

 There is not much opportunity to start a program from the ground up. I look forward to growing it to a top program in the nation. I feel incredibly grateful." - Coach D'Rell Gist

Westcliff Women's Wrestling will make its season debut this season. Men's Wrestling will join them in the winter of 2024.