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Introducing the Cascade Collegiate Conference: Everything You Need to Know

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The Cascade Collegiate Conference (CCC) is a conference comprised of 11 different college programs in Oregon and Washington. It was established in 1984 and is a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NIADA). It is the governing body for the athletic programs of members of the conference and provides the opportunity for student-athletes to compete in regional events.

History

The Cascade Collegiate Conference was founded in 1984 by six founding members: the Oregon Institute of Technology, Southern Oregon University, Pacific University, Western Oregon University, George Fox University, and University of Portland. These six programs came together in order to offer a unified platform for college athletes in terms of eligibility, travel, and other logistical necessities. Since its founding, the CCC has experienced steady growth, welcoming a number of other programs into its ranks in 1988, 1998, 2003, 2013, and 2020. The CCC now consists of 11 schools across Oregon and Washington: Concordia University, Corban University, Eastern Oregon University, George Fox University, Northwest Christian University, Oregon Tech, Simpson University, Southern Oregon University, The College of Idaho, University of Great Falls, and Western Oregon University.

Sports

The CCC contains 11 sports: baseball, softball, men’s and women’s basketball, men’s and women’s cross-country, football, men’s and women’s golf, men’s and women’s soccer, and volleyball. These sports are offered at the 11 respective colleges and universities.

Notable Achievements

The CCC has seen many achievements over the years. In basketball, four of its member schools have made it to the NAIA National Tournament consecutively from 2017-2019. George Fox won the NAIA Division II National Championships in both men’s and women’s basketball in 2018 and 2019. In baseball, Western Oregon has had a strong showing, participating in two NAIA Regional Tournaments and making the NAIA World Series in 2017.

Rivalries within the Conference

Some of the biggest rivalries in the conference come from the Northwest Oregon and Cascade League rivalries. These have been seen throughout the CCC’s history to various degrees, including in football, basketball, and baseball.

  • Northwest Oregon includes George Fox University, Pacific University, and University of Portland.
  • The Cascade League consists of Corban University, Eastern Oregon University, Southern Oregon University, and Western Oregon University.

How the Conference Operates

The CCC is governed by a Council and Committee System. The Council is composed of the Presidents or Chancellors from each of the 11 member universities. This Council is responsible for setting and amending the bylaws and regulations of the CCC. The Council meets twice a year in order to conduct business, while the day-to-day operations and scheduling of sports is left to the CCC’s committees. These committees oversee each sport’s operations, entering teams into regional and national competitions and maintaining tournament schedules.

Role of the Conference

The CCC is dedicated to the development and growth of student-athletes. The conference provides a platform for these athletes to showcase their talents and compete against other collegiate programs. This is done through regional events, as well as maintaining eligible student-athletes. The CCC also has an impact on the local and national sports scene, as the conference is considered to be among the top conferences in the NAIA.

Cascade Collegiate Future Prospects

The CCC continues to make strides to grow and develop its member schools. The conference recently welcomed Corban University and Simpson University in 2020. The conference’s goal is to provide a positive environment in which students can succeed and further their education. As the NCAA continues to make changes to the landscape of collegiate athletics, the CCC will continue to adapt and evolve to fit its members needs. With its dedication to academics and athletics, the CCC has the potential to grow even further as a conference in the future.

Conclusion

The Cascade Collegiate Conference has come a long way since its founding in 1984. Today it is comprised of 11 schools across Oregon and Washington, offering a wide range of sports for the student-athletes at those institutions. From rivalries to championship events, the CCC has been a strong presence in the region and the NAIA. As collegiate athletics continues to evolve, the CCC will continue to uphold its tradition of excellence in academics and athletics, offering student-athletes a platform to succeed on and off the field.