EUGENE – Bushnell University officials announced that the Beacons will add men’s and women’s wrestling programs in the fall of 2027.
The participation rates among high school wrestlers was a driving force behind the decision, school administrators said. High School wrestling participation nationally is at its highest level 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,” athletic director Corey Anderson said. “Girls wrestling is the fastest-growing high school sport in the country … (and) national trends for high school and collegiate programs are on an upward trajectory.”
The trends track with schools in our communities. Thurston High has built a boys and girls powerhouse in Class 5A. Colts head coach Mike Simon said he offered a few thoughts to Beacons officals based on his experience. “I just shared information that I know and things about wrestling that have made our Thurston program successful,” Simons said.
The wrestling teams will begin play in the 2027-28 season, joining the Cascade Conference.
Bushnell will host home wrestling meets in the Morse Center on the Bushnell campus, which also serves as the home for men’s and women’s basketball and women’s volleyball.
