Cal Baptist cutting wrestling and two other programs

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California Baptist Announces Discontinuation of Wrestling and Two Other Men’s Sports

California Baptist University has made a significant decision regarding its athletic programs. The institution announced on Friday that it will discontinue wrestling, along with two other men's sports, at the conclusion of the 2025-26 school year. This move comes as part of a broader strategy to realign its athletic offerings with the demands of the evolving landscape in collegiate sports.

In a statement released by the university, Micah Parker, vice president for athletics, explained the reasoning behind the decision. He stated, “We have closely monitored the shifting landscape of intercollegiate athletics that has affected institutions across the nation. While we had hoped to continue offering our full slate of athletic programs in this new environment, it has become clear that changes are required to realize the university's goal of achieving greater competitive excellence that the new Division I era demands.”

Parker also highlighted the need to focus resources on programs that can thrive in the Big West Conference, which California Baptist will join in July 2026. “As the university looks toward competing in the Big West Conference starting in July 2026, it was necessary to discontinue some athletic programs in order to offer remaining student-athletes and teams the best chance to succeed,” he added.

In addition to wrestling, the university will also discontinue men’s golf and men’s swimming and diving. These decisions mark a major shift in the athletic department’s structure and priorities.

A Growing Program with High Hopes

California Baptist wrestling, although still in its early stages at the Division I level, had shown promise. The program completed its transition from Division II in 2020 and had already made strides in building a competitive identity. Hunter Leake, a standout wrestler, became the school’s first two-time Big 12 placewinner last season. His performance at the national tournament, where he pushed eventual NCAA champion Lucas Byrd to the limit, demonstrated the program’s potential.

The Lancers entered the current season with high hopes of making more history. Coach Derek Moore expressed confidence in the team’s ability to achieve new milestones. In November, he said, “Every year as our recruiting picks up and picks up, higher-level mentality athletes are stepping into the room. So I think that has been one of our keys to our success as each of these guys are trying to do something that hasn’t been done before.”

Impact on Student-Athletes and Future Plans

The discontinuation of these programs will undoubtedly affect student-athletes who have dedicated their time and effort to California Baptist’s teams. However, the university is emphasizing that the decision was made with the long-term success of its athletic programs in mind. By focusing on a more streamlined set of sports, the institution aims to provide better support and opportunities for those who remain.

This move reflects a growing trend among universities to reassess their athletic offerings in response to financial, competitive, and strategic challenges. As California Baptist prepares to enter the Big West Conference, it is clear that the path forward requires careful planning and difficult choices.

While the loss of wrestling and the two other men's sports may be disappointing for fans and athletes alike, the university’s leadership believes that these changes will ultimately strengthen its position in Division I athletics. The focus now shifts to how the remaining programs will adapt and thrive in the coming years.