CBU's decision to drop wrestling impacts local club, young wrestlers

The West Coast Regional Training Center, a hub for high school wrestlers, has closed after nearly a decade due to the university's program discontinuation.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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California Baptist University's decision to discontinue its men's wrestling program has had a ripple effect on the local wrestling community. The West Coast Regional Training Center, which hosted weekly clinics and training sessions for high school wrestlers from across Riverside and San Bernardino Counties, has been forced to close its doors after nearly a decade of operation. The training center, known as 'The RTC', was a hub for young wrestlers to receive college-level instruction and training, helping to cultivate numerous CIF masters and state champions. The closure of The RTC has left many in the tight-knit amateur grappling community feeling the impact of the loss of this valuable resource.

Why it matters

The RTC played a crucial role in developing young wrestling talent in the Inland Empire region, providing access and opportunities for first-generation students and underserved communities to engage with the sport. The closure of this training center is a significant loss for the local wrestling community, as it removes a valuable resource for aspiring wrestlers to receive high-level coaching and training.

The details

The RTC, located on the CBU campus, featured wall-to-wall padding, two NCAA-sized mats, and space for parents to watch the sessions. It hosted weekly clinics and training sessions led by CBU wrestling coach Derek Moore and his staff, where the best high school wrestlers from across the region would come to train and compete against each other. The RTC proved to be a safe space for both boys and girls to learn and improve their wrestling skills. Many CIF masters and state champions have come through The RTC over the years, benefiting from the opportunity to train with college-level wrestlers and coaches.

  • The last weeknight session at The RTC was held on January 29, 2026.
  • The RTC had been operating for nearly a decade before its closure.

The players

Nolan Kistler

A former CBU all-American wrestler who is helping to lead the 'Keep CBU Wrestling' campaign.

Lucas Hernandez

A junior wrestler at Santiago High School who has benefited from training at The RTC.

Derek Moore

The head wrestling coach at California Baptist University.

Coby Merrill

A senior wrestler at Riverside North High School who is the current No. 1-ranked heavyweight in the state and a state champion.

Harlan Kistler

The current wrestling coach at Riverside North High School and a former CBU wrestler.

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What they’re saying

“This has been a house of learning and a second home to a lot of kids. We love them all, teach them all. Anyone and everyone is welcome.”

— Derek Moore, Head Wrestling Coach, California Baptist University

“There's a lot of local high school wrestlers that train there and (CBU) brings in the best talent, like, I'm talking about global talent. Essentially, there's nothing like it in Southern California.”

— Nolan Kistler, Former CBU All-American Wrestler

“I think if it wasn't for training with guys like them, teaching the technique and rolling with them and helping me develop positions and skill, I don't know if I'd be where I'm at today.”

— Coby Merrill

“Having The RTC allows wrestlers to come to a neutral ground, learn from collegiate wrestlers and coaches who are Division I-caliber, and so not having that handicaps the area's development and growth.”

— Harlan Kistler, Riverside North High Wrestling Coach

“This whole thing is just going to make us go harder. Maybe we can show them that this decision was the wrong decision, forever.”

— Richard 'Remy' Murillo, CBU Student-Athlete

What’s next

The 'Keep CBU Wrestling' campaign is hoping to find the funding to save the university's wrestling program, and with it, the future of The RTC.

The takeaway

The closure of The RTC, a hub for high school wrestlers in the Inland Empire region, is a significant loss for the local wrestling community. The training center provided access and opportunities for young athletes, including many first-generation students, to receive high-level coaching and develop their skills. Its absence will be felt by aspiring wrestlers who relied on The RTC as a valuable resource for their development and growth in the sport.