[Women's Wrestling] Women's Wrestling Named Affiliate Member of KCAC

WICHITA, Kan. — Doane University (Neb.) will be joining the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference (KCAC) as an associate member in women's wrestling, the conference office announced Thursday. The team will begin competing in the conference in the 2022-23 school year, which will be the inaugural year for the program. 

The Tigers will be the ninth team to compete in women's wrestling in the KCAC, joining full member institutions Avila University, Friends University, Ottawa University, the University of Saint Mary, and York University, as well as fellow associate members Hastings College, Midland University, and the University of Jamestown.

"This is an exciting time for Doane Wrestling as we start the women's program this year," Dana Vote, Director of Wrestling and head men's wrestling coach, said. "We appreciated the KCAC leadership taking the time to visit our campus and see what we are able to provide women's wrestlers."

"We are excited to welcome Women's Wrestling to Doane Athletics and partner with the KCAC for our inaugural season," Doane Director of Athletics Mark Wateska remarked. "Participating in an established conference will allow us the opportunity to compete at a high level, giving our student-athletes a great experience." 

"Reaching nine total programs in the year the NAIA moves to National Championship status indicates how strong the KCAC has become in the sport of Women's Wrestling over the past five years," stated Dr. Scott Crawford, Commissioner.  "Doane University brings a lot to the table for the KCAC with an experienced coach the caliber of Dana Vote and his ability to recruit a strong team.  I envision the Tigers being very competitive in the first year of their program and am glad they have joined our ranks."