CORVALLIS, Ore. – The Cascade Collegiate Conference released the 2024-25 Men's Wrestling Preseason Poll on Tuesday, with Eastern Oregon earning a fourth-place ranking with 64 points.
The University of Providence topped the poll with 95 points, while Southern Oregon was close behind with 89. Embry-Riddle ranked third, and Eastern Oregon University placed fourth. The 2025 CCC Tournament will take place on February 21-22 in Redding, California, with automatic NAIA berths at stake.
The Mountaineers enter the new season with momentum following a record-breaking 2023-24 campaign under head coach Dustyn Azure. The team finished last season with a 9-3 overall record and a 7-2 mark in conference play, highlighted by Hunter Sparks' historic achievement as the program's first National Champion since the team's reinstatement. EOU concluded the year in sixth place at the CCC Tournament and 12th at the NAIA National Championships, with Sparks' success accompanied by an All-American finish from Kyle Knudtson.
Off the mat, the Mountaineers set a high standard academically, boasting a 3.63 team GPA and earning the top spot in the 2024 NAIA Men's Team Scholar All-America rankings.
Looking ahead to the 2024-25 season, EOU returns a strong core of athletes, including All-American Kyle Knudston, alongside NAIA National Championship qualifiers Braden Carson and A.J. Rockwell. The team will also benefit from the addition of standout newcomers Nico Rodriguez and Kai Carson, both three-time state champions. This blend of experienced veterans and fresh talent positions the Mountaineers for another competitive run in the CCC and on the national stage.
"I'm incredibly excited about our returning experience and the recruits we've brought in this year," said Azure. "Their passion and talent promise to elevate our program as we look ahead to a successful 2024-25 season. Together, we're continuing to building something special. We are all in and excited to chase our goals"
The 2024-25 slate will begin with a stretch of home matches for the Mountaineers, starting with the annual Blue vs. Gold Dual this Saturday at 7:00 p.m. Eastern Oregon will also travel to Iowa to compete in the Grand View Open and NWCA National Duals, as well as a trip to Nevada for the Reno Tournament of Champions.
Click here to view the full schedule.
