CORVALLIS, Ore. – The Cascade Collegiate Conference is pleased to announce that Simpson University will become the conference's 12th full member beginning with the 2027-28 academic year.
Located in Redding, Calif., Simpson currently competes as a full member of the California Pacific Conference and has been an associate member of the CCC in men's and women's wrestling, softball and beach volleyball. With its transition to full membership, the Red Hawks will expand their participation in the Cascade Conference to include baseball, basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, track and field, and volleyball.
"Adding Simpson as a full member to the league is very exciting," stated Commissioner Robert Cashell. "Their location, robust program offerings, commitment to the student-athlete experience, along with the strong leadership and vision for Red Hawk athletics, fit well in the CCC and we look forward to a great relationship."
Simpson currently sponsors 22 varsity sports and has competed in the CCC in wrestling since 2017, with women's wrestling joining in 2020. The Red Hawks expanded their CCC participation with the addition of beach volleyball in 2025, followed by softball in 2026.
"Joining the Cascade Collegiate Conference is another positive and exciting step forward," stated Simpson University President, Dr. Norman Hall. "It provides our student-athletes with the opportunity to compete at the highest levels of the NAIA while representing Simpson on a regional and national stage. As our university continues to grow, we remain committed to creating opportunities for our students to pursue excellence in everything they do. This is an important moment for Simpson University and another reflection of the tremendous momentum we are experiencing across our campus."
With the addition of Simpson, the CCC will have 12 full members beginning in the 2027-28 academic year. The Red Hawks will compete for CCC championships and postseason opportunities in their respective sports in accordance with conference and NAIA policies.
"We are thrilled to welcome Simpson University as a full member to the Cascade Collegiate Conference," stated Council of Presidents' Chair and Lewis-Clark State President Dr. Cynthia Pemberton. "Our vetting process was very thorough, and under President Norm Hall's leadership, we see an institution poised to be an outstanding contributor to the CCC in character-driven athletics."
The Red Hawks have developed familiarity with many CCC institutions through their existing conference sports and non-conference competition. Simpson's expanded membership will create additional opportunities for competition and collaboration among the conference's institutions.
"We are thrilled to join the Cascade Conference, one of the premier conferences and a true powerhouse in the NAIA," stated Simpson Athletic Director, Rob Harley. "The CCC consistently produces nationally ranked teams, championship contenders and some of the best competition in the country. Being unanimously accepted into the conference is a tremendous vote of confidence in the direction of Simpson Athletics. We look forward to competing alongside some of the best programs in the NAIA and continuing to raise the standard for Red Hawk Athletics."
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