Cougars Continue Their Journey Beyond Clackamas

The 2025 wrestling season ended on a high note for Clackamas Community College. The Cougars finished as National Runner-Up, saw seven wrestlers move on to four-year schools, and celebrated nine graduates earning their Associate’s degrees.

Not only did Clackamas Wrestling help its student-athletes graduate and advance to the next level, but the program also landed key recruits and transfers to keep the 2026 squad highly competitive.

“This is what the program is all about,” said Head Coach Brett Sanchez. “When we bring student-athletes on visits, we sell them on the ultimate goal: having a great experience here, earning your degree, and moving on to the next phase of your life.”

Wrestlers Moving On

• Ane’e Vigil – 2x NJCAA National Champion → Arizona State University

• Gavin Bauder – NJCAA National Champion → Arizona State University

• Cesar Avelar – 2x NJCAA All-American → Life University

• Josh Hannan – NJCAA All-American → Grand View University

• Julian Gorring – NJCAA All-American → Ottawa University

• Kyle Robbins – NJCAA National Qualifier → Life University

• Marshall Rodenbeck – Continuing career at Portland State (NWCA Wrestling Association) 

Coaches Advancing Their Careers

Clackamas also celebrates two coaches moving on to new opportunities:

• Julius Serrano – Strength & Conditioning/Nutrition Coach, accepted a coaching position at Life University

• Joel Romero – Assistant Coach and former Cougar wrestler, will continue his competitive career at Life University

“It’s always bittersweet,” Sanchez added. “You build relationships with these guys and see them develop, but the goal of JUCO wrestling is graduation and moving on. We’ll miss them, but their impact will always stay with this program. They are family forever.”

This year, Clackamas proudly produced two Division I wrestlers, five NAIA wrestlers at powerhouse programs such as Grand View, Life, and Ottawa, and one continuing at the NWCA level with Portland State. The program continues to set the standard for success both on and off the mat.