February 4, 2025

California Baptist University has made significant strides in modernizing its athletic facilities, reflecting a deep commitment to student development and community engagement. These enhancements go beyond aesthetics, representing a comprehensive investment in the university’s athletic programs and their participants.

Jordan Fetters, assistant athletic director for facilities and operations, explained the importance of these upgrades.

“One of the things we want to do is invest in our students,” Fetters said. “We want to keep up with the other schools we compete against and give ourselves a shot at attracting incoming freshmen and transfers. Some other places have very nice facilities, and we want to be able to compete.”

This commitment to excellence aligns with CBU’s mission to “honor Christ through excellence,” a principle that extends to all aspects of the university experience.

“Excellence means we’re doing it to the best of our abilities,” Fetters said. “We want to hold ourselves to the highest standard.”

The evidence of this high standard is clear in the extensive upgrades made to athletic facilities. CBU has installed turf on its baseball and softball fields, allowing teams to practice regardless of weather, minimizing disruptions. The soccer field was also renovated, creating a new practice area by demolishing old tennis courts.

“Now we have about a 60% practice field for soccer,” Fetters said. “They don’t have to do everything on the game field, which allows us to maintain the quality of that space for competitions. We also have a track around the practice facility for the track and cross-country teams, accommodating all those programs.”

These improvements extend beyond athletics. Ed Schmachtenberger, athletics grounds and outdoor facilities manager, noted how the university has evolved over the past 30 years.

“As the university has grown, it has recognized that athletics is a big factor in that growth,” Schmachtenberger said. “We have upgraded all the fields in various ways. There has been new infrastructure for the baseball and softball stadiums, the fields were leveled, and new turf was installed. Most recently, we built a new soccer stadium with bleachers and a modern lighting system. Just finished this August was a new clubhouse for baseball and softball, which includes locker rooms, offices, and meeting rooms.”

These modernized facilities not only provide athletes with top-tier training environments but also serve as gathering spaces for the broader student body. Business administration graduate student and softball player Kalena Burns has experienced the changes firsthand.

“Last year, our locker room was in Colony, and it was limited,” Burns said. “But the new facility is super cool. We have space to study, hold team meetings, and watch film. Our locker room has four TVs—one on each wall—so it’s great when we have to watch film because we can see it from anywhere. It’s a space where we can all connect, and we all know that connections off the field really help us on the field.”

Burns, who transferred from a Big Ten institution, noted that CBU’s commitment to expanding its athletic programs is evident in the new facilities.

“Building this clubhouse for baseball and softball shows that the athletics department is willing to grow,” she said. “I think it’s great to see CBU athletics expanding to become more like a Division I program. Our clubhouse is beautiful, and it really shows prospects what CBU softball and baseball are all about.”

Fetters added that athletic events play a crucial role in the university experience, drawing students and the community alike.

“We want people to come out to sporting events and have a well-rounded, exciting time,” he said. “Athletics serves as a front window to the university, helping drive admissions. It creates experiences for students through events like commencement, student orientation, and recreational sports.”

CBU’s modernization efforts go beyond meeting the needs of current athletes; they represent an investment in the university’s future.

“The modernization provides an environment that attracts better athletes,” Schmachtenberger said. “It also creates a place where students can come out and cheer on their teams.”

As CBU continues to evolve, its commitment to athletics and the overall student experience is clear. The updated facilities stand as a testament to its dedication to fostering excellence in all areas, both on and off the field.

Leave a Reply

LinkedIn
Share
Instagram