The No. 18 West Virginia wrestling team will face California Baptist in their first Big 12 matchup on December 15 at Oak Glen High School in New Cumberland, West Virginia. This will be the first-ever competition between the two teams after California Baptist moved to Division I in 2018 and later joined the Big 12. Coach Tim Flynn is focusing on maintaining mental concentration throughout matches, stressing a desire for a more complete performance. West Virginia enters this matchup after securing a consecutive ranking position for seven weeks and maintaining solid placements for several athletes in national rankings.

By the Numbers
  • West Virginia is currently ranked No. 18 in the NWCA Division I Wrestling Coaches Poll.
  • Six Mountaineers are in FloWrestling's rankings, including No. 3 Peyton Hall (165) and No. 3 Ty Watters (149).
Yes, But

Although West Virginia has been performing well, Coach Flynn noted the need for improvement in the team's ability to stay mentally focused throughout matches, indicating potential vulnerabilities against their opponents.

State of Play
  • This dual marks the first official competition between West Virginia and California Baptist.
  • California Baptist is in its third season under Coach Dereke Moore, and has earned its first ranked victory this season.
What's Next

Following this matchup, West Virginia will look to build on its momentum as they continue through the Big 12 schedule, focusing on refining their performance in upcoming bouts.

Bottom Line

As West Virginia contends with California Baptist, their ability to sustain focus and execute complete matches will be crucial for their success in the Big 12 and beyond, making this dual a significant test for the team.