Photos by Ray Hamill/HumboldtSports.com – The CR players and coaches celebrate their Grizzly Bowl win last season.

College of the Redwoods announced on Thursday that the school’s football team will begin competing in the National Division this fall.

After posting three straight winning seasons since the program was reinstated ahead of the 2022 season, as well as bowl game victories in each of the past two years, the Corsairs have moved up from the American Division to the top tier of competition in California community college football.

The move also means a switch in conference from the Pacific 7 Conference to the NorCal Conference, where the Corsairs will face tougher competition.

The move should also help with recruiting.

“Our staff and athletic administration saw this as the right moment to take our program to the next level,” head coach Jason White said in a press release announcing the news. “Moving up not only advances our vision of playing for a state championship but also strengthens our ability to recruit top talent and prepare our athletes for four-year programs.”

The switch also opens the possibility of competing for a state championship.

According to the press release, the move will enable “the team to attract high-caliber athletes who aspire to play at Division-I and II schools. Additionally, it provides a pathway for the team to compete for a state title—an opportunity previously out of reach.”

CR President Dr. Keith Flamer believes the switch shows just how far the Corsairs have come in a short time.

“Moving to the NorCal Conference of the National Division will put CR in a more competitive league that will bring our football program more notoriety and place our team in the same conference as Shasta, Butte, American River, Santa Rosa, Sierra Colleges,” Flamer said. 

“Our selection to compete in a higher conference is a testament to the success of our football program, our coaches, and our student-athletes.”

CR defensive coordinator and assistant head coach Damaro Wheeler says the program is looking forward to facing tougher competition.

“Since I arrived on campus, the goal has been to establish ourselves as a top-tier program in Northern California,” he said. “It may be a new conference, but it’s the same mission. We’re looking forward to the challenge.”

The CR players after receiving their Grizzly Bowl rings following the 2023 season.

The players also have embraced the switch after hearing the news this week,

“The room erupted,” White said. “Our players are ready for the challenge.” 

According to the press release, “The new schedule has already been sent to incoming recruits, who are eager to compete at this elevated level.

“This transition follows significant investment in CR’s athletic facilities. 

“The recent completion of an all-weather track and field provides a durable playing surface for athletes year-round, and an upcoming multi-sport indoor facility, one of the only in the California Community College system, will offer the football team a dedicated practice space during bad weather. 

“Beyond benefiting CR athletics, these improvements will also serve as a valuable resource for the broader community.”

And that’s not all.

According to the press release, “Looking ahead, a second phase of stadium improvements is planned, including the addition of lights for night games, a press box, a renovated concession stand, and expanded seating. Community support will be key to making this next phase a reality.”