The California Baptist University Deputy Athletic Director, Joey Logan, allegedly warned the Cal Baptist wrestling team not to wear the black protest singlets in their final match, as shown in a discreetly recorded video taken by a wrestler during a classroom meeting. The situation stemmed from CBU’s decision to discontinue three programs, men’s golf, men’s swimming and diving, and men’s wrestling, ahead of joining the Big West Conference.
All About Why the Cal Baptist Wrestlers Were Barred From Wearing Protest Singlets
The California Baptist University wrestling program had a mixed campaign in 2025, posting wins against Duke and Presbyterian, and even defeating ranked squads like Oregon State. They finished with an overall dual record of 6–9 and a Big 12 Conference record of 2–6.
However, things have not been in place since CBU announced it would discontinue three programs due to athletic priorities, financial restructuring, and conference realignment.
Wrestlers tried to appeal to the Riverside City Council to overturn the decision and even started an Instagram account, KeepCBUWrestling, and a fundraising page. They are not leaving any stone unturned to keep the program alive, and they even introduced singlets as a sign of protest.
But in a discreetly recorded video, Logan said they would not be permitted to wear whatever they wanted and could only wear the uniforms they had paid for.
He also added that the president would speak with them and that they would only be allowed to compete in their final match if they abided by the rule.
“I want you guys to take a few seconds now and think about it. If that’s how you want to end your season, okay? Or you can switch into our singlets that were paid for and provided by CBU for you to wrestle. And wrestle in those singlets.”
He reiterated that the president’s decision will not lift the rule, and that wrestlers must wear the college colors they represent. The wrestlers tried to make a point by saying that they wished to have a voice on the mat, but Logan concluded by saying:
“Your voice will not be heard because you’re not going to get an opportunity to wrestle.”
Nolan Kistler, one of the key figures in the controversy, said that the younger generation wouldn’t have an opportunity if Division I were discontinued. When they learned about it, the wrestlers couldn’t help but break down. Reflecting on the heartbreaking moment, Richie Clementi said:
“Like it was kind of just like, we sat there in silence for like five minutes before we look around and people are crying and it’s like, holy, this is real.”
His peer, Adonis Bonar II, also made his feelings known about leaving the program he had built everything in. The training clinics for local high schools that were scheduled to be held at CBU will also be cancelled.
