California Baptist University
Cyclone Invitational
WREST Preview: Lancers Head to Ames to Open Season at Cyclone Invitational
11/6/2025 2:27:00 PM | Wrestling
RIVERSIDE--- The California Baptist University wrestling season opens up this Saturday as the Lancers head to Ames, Iowa, to compete in the Cyclone Invitational.
The Lancers are entering their fourth season in the BIG 12 conference and are looking to build off of another solid season under fourth-year Head Coach Derek Moore. Moore led the Lancers to six dual wins last year, including ranked wins over #13 West Virginia, #20 Cal Poly, and #24 Cal State Bakersfield. CBU had an NCAA qualifier for the second consecutive season, as Hunter Leake reached the championship with a 6th-place finish at the Big 12's.
The Lancers will face another challenging schedule this season, with four ranked teams and numerous other solid programs on the docket. An early-season test will be CBU's home opener and first dual of the season as they welcome #19 Stanford into Van Dyne Gym on Saturday, November 15. The Lancers will open up BIG 12 competition against Utah Valley the following week, as well as competing in the annual Events Center dual on November 22. The Events Center dual will feature a bout against #25 Wyoming on Saturday, November 22.
Other notable names on the schedule include duals against West Virginia, South Dakota State, and Arizona State, all of which will be conference matchups. CBU will also compete in several prestigious tournaments, including the Cyclone Invitational, Cliff Keen, and the Reno Tournament of Champions. The Cyclone Invitational will be a new one for the Lancers and will serve as the official season opener. CBU will face competitors from Iowa State, Utah Valley, Wisconsin, and SIUE with the championship matches airing on ESPN+.
The Lancers will have a solid mix of returners and newcomers on the roster for the season, with Drayden Morton, Paul Kelly, Eli Sheeren, and Richard Murillo all returning for CBU. The Lancers also brought in some solid names from the portal, including NCAA qualifier and 2023 PAC-12 Champion Jesse Vasquez from Arizona State, Gabe Schumm from North Dakota State, and Cooper Shore from Campbell. Coach Moore will also rely on some freshmen, with Richie Clementi and Adonis Bonar II both figuring to compete for the Lancers this season.
NEXT: The Lancers open up this Saturday at the Cyclone Invitational. The tournament begins at 8 AM PT, and championship matches will air on ESPN+ around 1 PM PT.
Players Mentioned
