A Beacon Family Affair: Uncle Jason and Niece Anika

3/23/2020 8:00:00 AM

With COVID-19 putting live sporting events on hold, the Cascade Collegiate Conference wanted to take the time to highlight families within our #ThisIsTheCCC community. Many of our member institutions have administration, coaches and student-athletes family members competing together, making the CCC truly a family affair.

CORVALLIS, Ore. – In 2016, both Jason Corwin and Anika Rasubala became Northwest Christian University Beacons. Corwin was on the women’s volleyball coaching staff and Rasubala was beginning her freshman year as a cross country and track runner, but the pair already knew each other, after all, they were family.
 

Rasubala didn’t plan to attend the same school her uncle was coaching at – “it just happened” according to Corwin – but it’s something she cherishes.
 
“I didn't really think about it, or know it was going to be a reality,” said Rasubala. “When we did start playing/coaching at the same school, it became a lot of fun! I saw some parts of my family a lot more.”
 
Even though the volleyball and cross country seasons both occur in the fall, Corwin and Rasubala made it a priority to support one another. Sometimes even bringing out the whole family.

 
“We get to see each other a lot, especially during season,” said Rasubala of her favorite part of having her uncle in college athletics with her. “He's a good uncle and brags on me. Just knowing I have someone in my corner if I ever need anything.”
 
The love of college athletics doesn’t just stay on campus at NCU either, the two can often be seen at family get-togethers talking about competition results and upcoming events.
 
Rasubala is a senior interdisciplinary studies (business, psychology, history) major with plans to work in higher education in the Student Life department. She had a stellar senior cross country campaign and was the lone NCU representative at the NAIA National Championship meet. She took 50th with a time of 18 minutes, 58 seconds, which was the 17th top-50 finish for an NCU women's cross country runner and places 24th on the Beacon all-time list of NAIA times.
 
With the NAIA/CCC canceling the spring season, Rasubala wasn’t able to finish her last track season, but does have the option to return next year for it.
 
Corwin was named the head women’s volleyball coach in 2018 and this year led the Beacons to a 20-11 overall, 11-9 CCC record, including a first-ever appearance to the CCC Championship Tournament Semifinals, presented by U.S. Bank.
 
The two might not actually be blood related, but you’d never guess it. (Just don’t mention blood to Rasubala – “Anika is very squeamish around any blood, very squeamish! Like bandaid level,” teased Uncle Jason.) They’re time on campus together may be ending soon, but the bond between uncle and niece isn’t something that will be broken.