CBU Wrestling Fights for Survival with Legal Support
The California Baptist University (CBU) wrestling team is fighting for its survival. The university plans to discontinue the program along with men’s swim and dive, and men’s golf.
The *Keep CBU Wrestling* advocacy group has teamed up with the American Sports Council and the Pacific Legal Foundation. Together, they’re challenging the 1979 Policy Interpretation of Title IX.
This coalition wants the U.S. Department of Education to repeal the policy. They argue it’s caused the elimination of men’s programs just to check compliance boxes.
The movement’s picking up steam. Current athletes and alumni are rallying behind it.
CBU Wrestling’s Battle for Survival
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At the entrance of CBU’s campus on Magnolia Avenue, the *Keep CBU Wrestling* group made a public statement. They announced their partnership with the American Sports Council and the Pacific Legal Foundation.
They’re going after the 1979 Policy Interpretation of Title IX. In their view, it’s acted like a quota system for decades, and that just doesn’t sit right with them.
Understanding Title IX and Its Impact
Title IX, passed in 1972, bans sex-based discrimination in schools that get federal funding. The 1979 ruling tried to balance the number of men’s and women’s teams according to enrollment and interest.
But critics say it’s wiped out plenty of men’s programs in the name of compliance. Has it really created the balance it promised?
The Call for Change
Eric Pearson, chairman of the American Sports Council, called on the Trump administration to take action. He wants schools to stop cutting men’s programs just to comply.
*You have the power to change these Title IX regulations and to save these teams,* Pearson insisted. He’s pushing for a fairer, more reasonable approach to compliance.
Impact on CBU Athletes
On January 2, CBU announced it would discontinue wrestling, men’s swim and dive, and men’s golf after the spring season. The university says it’s aiming for greater competitive excellence as it moves to Division I and switches from the WAC to the Big West this fall.
Athletes Speak Out
Redshirt junior wrestler Cooper Shore spoke at the rally, clearly frustrated. He said he got just one hour to grab his things from the wrestling room.
*This is something I never saw coming,* Shore admitted. He had transferred from Campbell University, hoping to grow at CBU.
Support from Other Teams
The *Keep CBU Swim & Dive* group has joined the coalition. Senior Mark Kovacsics, junior Mario Del Valle, Jr., and senior Gail Gimenez are set to compete in the NCAA Championships in Atlanta next week.
The coalition has asked CBU’s administration for support in changing the regulations. They want things to be more equitable for everyone.
Upcoming Events and Further Developments
A march through the CBU campus is set for Sunday, March 26. Organizers hope the event will raise awareness and draw more support.
UC Riverside’s New Athletic Director
UC Riverside plans to introduce Greg Paules as its new director of intercollegiate athletics on Monday. Paules comes from Cal State Fullerton, where he was senior associate athletics director and chief operating officer.
He’ll take over from interim director Michelle Almazan. It’s always interesting to see how new leadership shapes a program.
Redlands’ Lucas Gordon Honored
Lucas Gordon, a senior forward from the University of Redlands men’s basketball team, was named region player of the year by D3hoops.com. Gordon averaged 14.3 points and nine rebounds per game and led Redlands to the second round of the NCAA Division III tournament.
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For more details, check out the original article.