By Marissa Carney
Sports Editor
The completed transition into the National Collegiate Athletic Association has been the buzz around California Baptist University and will continue to be so, now that the official school year has begun and sports are underway with their seasons and pre-seasons.
Now that the school has officially entered the NCAA,
a question posed on most fans’s minds is how CBU’s athletics will compare and compete against the new tier of schools.
“Our program will continue to excel,” said Jalen Jury former CBU basketball player and junior business administration major. “Our teams have already competed against other NCAA teams and have not only held their own, but proved that CBU can succeed in the NCAA.”
Now that CBU has officially entered the NCAA division, coaches have gained the ability to attract a higher tier of athletes due to the illustrious title. The coaches who have been successful in reconstructing their teams include basketball, volleyball and baseball.
For example, the baseball team recently picked up 12 new players-10 freshmen and two transfers-to help solidify their roster.
Basketball has revamped its roster as well by picking up nine new players to boost the team.
Even though the season’s have yet to begin, with the new tier of recruitments, it is evident the teams are growing.
“We are excited for the challenge and have been preparing very hard this preseason to be ready to compete and fight hard to make it to nationals and to go up against some great teams. We finally get the chance to play where we belong,” said Kim McCalmont, outside hitter and senior liberal studies major when asked about the upcoming women’s volleyball season.
It is clear that CBU’s athletes are ready for the new challenge and ready to take the next step into a higher level.
In turn, this will result in a higher caliber of game time from the teams.
