The Cameron University Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Club recently represented CU at the National Collegiate Grappling Association (NCGA) Championship Tournament, taking five student-athletes to compete against 21 universities from across the nation. The team delivered an outstanding performance, bringing home multiple podium finishes and showcasing the continued growth and competitive strength of the CU BJJ Club.
Mariah Gaede, competing in Division 2, 135 lb., highlighted the day with a commanding run through her bracket, which included competitors from Sam Houston State University and the University of Texas. Gaede secured two submission victories, earning her the gold medal and marking a standout performance for the CU women’s roster. Gaede is a sophomore biology major from Lawton.
In the Division 2, 161 lb. division, Kyle Caballero faced an athlete from the University of Texas in a round-robin bracket. Caballero secured the decisive win, earning the gold medal for Cameron University. Caballero is a sophomore majoring in strategic communications. He is a from McKinney, Texas.
Jesus Rojo entered one of the largest brackets of the entire event, competing against 16 athletes in Division 1’s 172 lb. class. He delivered a remarkable run with victories over competitors from the University of Texas, Sacramento State University and Sam Houston State University. He advanced to the finals, ultimately earning silver after a hard-fought match against Mahtabuddin Slayman from Sacramento State University. Rojo, a senior sports and exercise science major from Lawton, was awarded All-American Honors.
Aydin Edwards and Liam Foster also represented CU with heart and determination in their respective divisions, contributing to a strong overall team presence at the tournament. Both are concurrent students from Lawton.
“The growth of this club over the past year has been incredible,” says Dana Winters, CU BJJ club advisor. “Our athletes trained hard, supported each other and proved that Cameron University belongs on the mat with some of the strongest collegiate programs in the country.”
The CU BJJ Club continues to expand opportunities for student-athletes and looks forward to future competitions in the NCGA circuit.
For more information about the Cameron University BJJ Club, training times, or upcoming events, contact Winters at dwinters@cameron.edu.
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