THE DALLES — Columbia Gorge Community College (CGCC) announced its official acceptance into the Northwest Athletics Conference (NWAC) with the launch of the college’s first sports teams, Men’s and Women’s Cross Country, entering the fall 2024 conference.
According to a March 25 press release, while an athletics program had been a goal for a few years, the program came to fruition with the help of CGCC President Kenneth Lawson, who took on the position of president in August of last year. According to the press release, Lawson served as vice president for instruction at Skagit Valley College for 10 years, “where a thriving athletics program fielded nine men’s and women’s NWAC conference sports teams.”
“Athletics programs support student engagement and success, provide an avenue for student athletes to continue to compete at a high level, and foster strong community connections. We look forward to folding athletics into the fabric of college life. We invite alumni, current students, runners, and all sports fans to cheer for the CGCC Chinooks Cross Country teams this fall,” Lawson said in the press release.
The launch of the athletics program is under the direction of Mike Espinoza, vice president of student services.
“CGCC’s prime location in the Columbia Gorge and our existing planning paired perfectly with new leadership to create an ideal environment for our program to thrive,” Espinoza said in the press release, “We have miles of picturesque roads, world-class trail-running, and a hearty community of outdoor enthusiasts. There really isn’t a more ideal place to log the miles and do the work to successfully compete in college cross country.
According to Espinoza in the press release, the NWAC is the largest community college conference in the U.S., with 36 member schools in the Pacific Northwest. “The NWAC’s mission resonates deeply with our own values — championing character, community, and comprehensive development. The NWAC’s commitment to blending competitive spirit with educational growth, fostering respect for diversity, and teaching student-athletes to balance personal achievements with team goals mirrors our dedication to nurturing well-rounded individuals.
“As the Chinooks cross-country teams gear up to make their mark in the NWAC, we extend an open invitation to join in on this exciting journey, to support our athletes, and build a legacy of learning, inclusivity, and community pride,” Espinoza said.
Commented