On February 16, Bushnell announced the addition of two new varsity programs with men's and women's wrestling officially joining the sport offerings beginning in the fall of 2027. Then, in early June, the Beacons proudly announced Dylan Costello as the first Director of Wresting and Head Men's Wresting Coach. 

Bushnell athletics cited the recent rise in popularity in youth wrestling as a contributing factor in the decision to add both men's and women's programs at Bushnell. High School wrestling participation nationally is at its highest in over 50 years with nearly 375,000 boys and girls competing. Additionally, Bushnell will be the seventh four-year university in Oregon to sponsor the sports.
 
"We are thrilled to be adding to our athletic offerings with the addition of our wrestling program," said Athletic Director Corey Anderson. "Girls Wrestling is the fastest growing high school sport in the country, and USA Wrestling has launched national campaigns to increase the popularity of the sport. National trends for high school and collegiate programs are on an upward trajectory."
 
Anderson added, "We have quickly learned that there is a strong passion for men's and women's wrestling in Eugene, Lane County, Oregon and beyond. Once we started talking to a few, key contacts in the region about the idea of us adding an NAIA collegiate wrestling program, we immediately started having knowledgeable and passionate people reach out to us to celebrate the idea but also wanting to know how they can help.  I am excited about these new relationships and partner opportunities that Bushnell Wrestling will provide us while continuing to do The Kingdom's good work!"

Coach Costello comes to Bushnell after spending the previous six seasons as an assistant coach at Northwestern College (Iowa), an NAIA athletics powerhouse. In his role at Northwestern, he was instrumental in the daily operations of the wrestling team and was responsible for running all practices, managing athlete nutrition, and facilitating all technique sessions.
 
"Coach Costello comes from a highly respected, faith based, NAIA institution where he competed at and coached for over ten years," added Anderson. "He has been emersed in a wrestling program that is nationally known for their toughness, success, and integrity. While he has not yet been a head coach, Bushnell will be the perfect place for him to continue to grow professionally as both a director and head coach."
 
Costello said, "I am beyond excited and incredibly blessed for the opportunity to start wrestling at Bushnell University. I want to thank Corey Anderson, Jocelyn Hubbs, and President Womack for their belief in me and for the immense support they are already giving this young program."
 
As an assistant coach and admissions counselor at NWC, Costello was heavily involved in recruiting a team that during his tenure saw ten wrestlers qualify for the NAIA National Championships while earning multiple All-GPAC honors.  
 
"The community and mission at Bushnell drew me in from the very first phone call," added Costello. "I knew it was where I needed to be. We are going to build something great here and I am honored for the privilege of bringing College wrestling back to Eugene!"
 
Known as a passionate and enthusiastic coach, Costello brings with him a strong love for the sport and love for the Lord that will serve him well at Bushnell.
 
"I love the sport of Wrestling," said Costello. "The Lord has used the sport to mold me into the man I am today. I am always in pursuit of finding ways to perfect technique, build grit, and get the most out of my athletes, but above all else, I cherish the opportunity to build relationships with the athletes and share my faith with them. Wrestling is more than just winning matches. It is about people, and a shared passion for constant growth and improvement in all aspects of life so that we can be ready for whatever God may call us to do."
 
A former collegiate wrestler himself at Northwestern, he was a three-time letter winner, a team captain and an NAIA Champion of Character Award Winner. He earned his bachelor's degree in psychology from Northwestern College and went on to earn a Master of Arts in Humanities from American Public University in West Virginia.
 
Anderson said, "While I am excited to work with Dylan on this journey together, it is the greater wrestling community in Lane County that I am most excited for. Both Coach Costello and Bushnell Athletics have a very unique opportunity in bringing collegiate wrestling back to the Eugene/Springfield area. It has been almost 20 years since the last collegiate program competed in the area and now we will get the opportunity to showcase the sport to a hungry and enthusiastic fan base right here at Bushnell University."
 
The addition of two new teams will bring Bushnell's total number of varsity teams to 19 and are the first programs to be added since Baseball came on board in 2021. The Wrestling teams will begin play in the 2027-2028 season, joining the Cascade Conference which boasts 11 men's and eight women's programs.

When Bushnell Wrestling official begins in the fall of 2027, the Beacons will host home wrestling meets in the Morse Center on the Bushnell University campus, which also serves as the home for men's and women's basketball and women's volleyball. A planned practice facility and home for Beacons Wrestling will be developed, located within campus property that was recently acquired by Bushnell University.

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