MOSES LAKE — Big Bend wrestling for both men and women is making the jump to the National Junior College Athletic Association the college announced Tuesday, joining the ranks of a Division I wrestling program.

“Wrestling is such a valued part of our community, and what better way to elocute wrestling’s storied tradition at Big Bend than on a platform visible to the entire nation,” BBCC Director of Athletics John Meeks said in a release. “Few words adequately describe the excitement within our programs and the trajectory we see for the future of wrestling at our college.”

Big Bend’s wrestling programs returned to the mat in 2017 after a long hiatus, with college and community leaders reviving the program. Competing in the National Collegiate Wrestling Association, the Big Bend women’s wrestling team won a national championship during the 2021-22 season.

“The NCWA has long been a trailblazer for the sport of wrestling,” Meeks said. “However, our membership in the NJCAA offers our wrestling programs the opportunity to continue to compete in our geographic footprint; host multiple home events each year and open doors to competition against new like-minded institutions across the nation.”

Big Bend hired new coaches to lead the men’s and women’s programs last summer, with Daviaire Dickerson being selected to coach the men’s team and Desiree Zavala being selected to lead the women’s team.

Dickerson has notable experience coaching both men’s and women’s wrestling at the four-year level

“Transitioning (to the NJCAA) marks a significant chapter for Big Bend Community College wrestling. It symbolizes our commitment to excellence, growth, and fostering a competitive spirit,” said Dickerson. “It not only elevates our program but enriches the entire institution, bringing a new level of athletic achievement to our campus.”

Zavala was a four-time Washington state champion in high school, having wrestled for Grandview, and was a collegiate national champion as well. 

“Women’s wrestling is one of the fastest growing sports in America, and especially prevalent in minority groups,” Zavala said. “With Big Bend being a Hispanic-Serving Institution, we are staying true to our commitment of providing not only a high level of education, but a high level of athletics to match. It also provides a pathway for talented wrestlers to continue honing their skills and potentially progress to higher levels of education and wrestling.”

In December, Big Bend wrestling was awarded a $40,000 grant by the Washington Student Achievement Council, with the funds being designated for improvements to the programs and facilities. For the 2024-25 season, both programs will practice in a newly renovated 2000-square-foot facility.