The California Baptist University Lancers lost a high-energy match Nov. 14 to California State University–Bakersfield, on CBU’s Front Lawn in the second annual Take It Outside wrestling event.
Throughout the competition, the Lancers battled the Roadrunners with determination, but were unable to defeat the CSU–Bakersfield team, losing 28-12.
The matched marked CBU’s fourth competition with CSUB, and in all prior matches, CSUB has won; however, the latest 2013-14 meet was decided by only a five-point difference with a final score of 20-15.
Last year, CBU’s wrestling team challenged Stanford to a duel during the first Take It Outside event. That event drew a standing-room-only crowd of 2,260 for the record-setting, outdoor wrestling challenge.
This year, a crowd of 2,048 people attended the Take It Outside event to watch the wrestlers duel it out.
Dr. Micah Parker, director of Athletics, said the wrestling community in Riverside are big fans of the program.
“The wrestling community in Riverside and around us really love us,” Parker said. “The event is unique and gets a lot more interest and attracts the Division I schools.”
Lennie Zalesky, head coach of the wrestling team, said each match of the Nov. 14 event was a battle.
“All the wins were hard-fought; no one won easy,” Zalesky said. “(CSUB) always wrestles hard, but we hung with them for the most part.”
Anthony Racobaldo, freshman undeclared major and 133-pound wrestler, was a highlight of the match as he took down his opponent with a last-second pin before the clock expired, winning 6-0.
“I was nervous, but once you get on the mat and start wrestling, everything in your head clears,” Racobaldo said.
The team will have a rematch against Embry-Riddle at the Embry-Riddle Open before returning home to battle Mercyhurst University, Nov. 25, at 7 p.m.
