Nolan Kistler - Saving CBU Wrestling :: Ep 4 The Full Tilt Podcast

Former CBU All-American and alum Nolan Kessler joins the Full Tilt Podcast to break down the decision by California Baptist University to cut its Division I wrestling program along with two other men’s sports. Nolan explains why this is more than just one team being dropped: it’s part of a national trend threatening Olympic sports and first-generation college opportunities.He shares powerful stories of lives changed through wrestling, the fast-growing movement behind Keep CBU Wrestling, and how alumni, coaches, and community members are rallying to raise $20 million and secure a long-term endowment for the program. Nolan also addresses Title IX, the financial realities behind “revenue sports,” and why CBU has a unique chance to lead instead of follow the herd.Timed Highlights:0:00 The bigger problem: Olympic sports under attack0:25 Introducing the Full Tilt Podcast and guest Nolan Kessler1:02 How Nolan learned CBU was cutting three men’s programs1:34 Building a 100-alumni coalition to keep CBU wrestling3:30 The national trend of dropped wrestling programs (Fresno State, Stanford, others)5:10 NIL, NCAA changes, and 44 discontinued Olympic programs in one year6:40 Why “revenue sports” like football and basketball are putting schools in the red8:30 CBU’s chance to lead instead of follow the herd9:49 The crisis of only three Division I wrestling programs in all of California11:44 What’s the plan? Awareness, fundraising, and building a coalition11:48 Launching keepcbu.com and raising over $1 million in a month13:48 How pledges work and why donors are protected if the effort fails13:59 Inside CBU’s response: “The decision is final, no amount of money will change it”16:13 Title IX as the stated reason and why the numbers don’t add up18:40 Other paths to Title IX compliance and adding women’s sports20:00 Timeline: pushing for talks before the NCAA wrestling tournament20:17 The $20 million endowment goal and lessons from Stanford21:35 Ensuring the program’s long-term future, not just a short-term save22:03 Examples from Bucknell and Binghamton and big gifts after programs were saved24:38 Other programs cut at CBU and building a united front with golf and swim & dive26:51 Final call to action: why wrestling is a lifeline of opportunity27:16 How to support: website, social media, donations, and sharing29:05 Closing: why this fight matters for wrestling and all Olympic sportsIf you enjoy this episode, hit subscribe, drop a comment with your favorite story, and tell us which wrestling legend you want to hear from next!www.thefulltiltpodcast.com