College of the Redwoods may add women’s wrestling program

Over the course of the next few months, the CR Athletic department will be conducting a research and feasibility project to determine community interest in a potential Intercollegiate Women’s Wrestling program to start in the 2023-2024 academic year. CR will seek information from local high school programs, potential recruits and community supporters.

In California, women’s wrestling has seen a steady rise in participation at the club level in recent years and is growing in popularity around the nation with several National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) programs popping up. Locally, the Eureka High girl’s wrestling team sent two representative to compete for the state of California at a national freestyle tournament in North Dakota in July.

Additionally, California Community College Athletics Association (CCCAA) has begun the legislative process to add the sport and anticipated full CCCAA sponsorship will be voted on in early April of 2022.

“This program could be a great way to provide additional academic and athletic opportunities to female students,” said CR Athletic Director Bob Brown. “With the CCCAA sponsorship and full support, it could allow for a full schedule of competition within reasonable travel distances and manageable costs, which have been barriers in the past.”

Brown will be reaching out to these programs and engaging community supporters over the course of the next few months. He will also research all facility accommodations and equipment necessary to start a successful program. In addition, he will be exploring the scheduling and conference options of other committed programs across the state.

“Many of our local and regional high schools have strong women’s programs and coaching,” continues Brown. “I believe CR could easily be very competitive in the sport right out of the gate.”

“I approved the recommendation to explore adding women’s wrestling to the list of intercollegiate sports CR offers beginning in the 2023-24 academic year,” said CR President Keith Flamer. “I believe that offering women’s wrestling reinforces our commitment to strengthening women’s athletics at College of the Redwoods.