OLYMPIA, Wash. – The Evergreen State College is adding men's and women's wrestling and bringing back men's and women's cross country to its intercollegiate athletics programs starting in Fall 2023, the university announced Monday.
"Student-athletes make great Greeners," said Evergreen's president Dr. John Carmichael. "They are self-motivated and community minded. We look forward to welcoming more student-athletes to campus."
The addition of the wrestling programs makes Evergreen the only four-year school in the state of Washington with an intercollegiate wrestling program.
"This is a big deal," said Assistant Athletic Director Zeb Hoffman. "The wrestling community in Washington has been asking for this for a long time, and we're excited to serve students looking to wrestle at the collegiate level."
Evergreen's cross country program last competed in 2014.
"Our campus is practically built for cross country," said Hoffman. "Bringing it back was a no-brainer. It's a perfect fit for our college, and it complements our track and field program as well."
The expansion provides a re-investment in Evergreen Athletics and will add back some key positions that had been eliminated or reduced during the pandemic.
"Congratulations to The Evergreen State College on the addition of men's and women's cross country, as well as men's and women's wrestling," stated Cascade Collegiate Conference Commissioner Robert Cashell. "The rich tradition of running in the PNW makes cross country a perfect fit and the added opportunities that collegiate wrestling will provide for student-athletes in the state of Washington and beyond is exciting."
Hiring for the men's and women's wrestling Coaches is underway, with an official announcement being made once finalized. Evergreen is starting a search for the head cross country coach position and sports information director this month. For more information, contact Zeb Hoffman, Assistant Athletic Director and Head Track and Field Coach.