Takedown Report

California Baptist University Restructures Lancer Athletics; Discontinues Wrestling Program Ahead of Big West Entry

TDR Editor’s Notes; The school will cut 3 Men’s teams in order to enter the Big West Conference with 6 teams. This is contrast to the Women’s Sports as they will have twice as many programs. There is not a football team which usually accounts for an abundance of scholarship athletes.
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Changes will take effect at the end of the competitive season
RIVERSIDE — In response to the evolving intercollegiate athletic landscape, California Baptist University announced today the discontinuation of three Lancer Athletic programs–wrestling, men’s golf, and men’s swim and dive. The changes will take effect at the conclusion of the 2025-26 competitive season.
We have closely monitored the shifting landscape of intercollegiate athletics that has affected institutions across the nation, said Micah Parker, Ph.D., Vice President for Athletics. 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 continued: 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.
The decision was not made lightly, according to Parker.
Considerable thought and prayer went into this decision, said Parker. We take seriously the responsibility of supporting our student-athletes, and we are committed to walking beside those impacted as they navigate next steps … more at … https://cbulancers.com/news/2026/1/2/general-california-baptist-university-restructures-lancer-athletics-discontinues-three-athletic-programs-ahead-of-big-west-entry

January 10, 2026 - Posted by The TakeDown Report | Uncategorized