Written by Sammi Wellman, CCC Director of Communications
Original story at cascadeconference.org
CORVALLIS, Ore. – The Cascade Collegiate Conference announced Tuesday that Rize Laboratory will be the presenting sponsor for the 2023 NAIA Men’s and Women’s Cross Country National Championships, once again held at the Fort Vancouver National Historic Site.
“Rize Laboratory is ecstatic to continue our partnership with the Cascade Collegiate Conference and be the presenting sponsor for the 2023 NAIA Men’s and Women’s Cross Country Championships hosted by the CCC,” said Rize Laboratory CEO Manny Cruz. “It’s been a journey of change through these pandemical times and this ongoing relationship that spans across many regions, combined with the opportunity to provide a service promoting safety to student-athletes, brings contentment to all involved.”
Most recently, the CCC hosted the 2021 NAIA Championship, bringing in $1.2 million to the Vancouver economy. The event brought 673 athletes from across the nation to Vancouver for an average of four nights. There were men’s and women’s teams and individuals representing 129 colleges competing at the event. Athletes and spectators not only occupied the region’s hotels but patronized local restaurants and attractions.
“Our gratitude is extended to Mr. Manny Cruz, Mr. Rob Henry, and the entire team at Rize for their partnership, ” stated CCC commissioner Robert Cashell. “Hosting the 2023 NAIA Cross Country Championships will be our eighth time at historic Fort Vancouver and having a sponsor like Rize helps all involved prepare, plan and present what we hope to be another outstanding experience for the nearly 700 runners who will compete.”
Located in Corvallis, Ore., Rize Laboratory is a clinical diagnostic laboratory with expertise in both COVID-19 and toxicology. Committed to the health of its communities, Rize provides testing services for hospital systems, substance treatment clinics, primary care physicians, school districts, city, county, and state agencies, individuals, and anyone in need.