Release from the National Wrestling Coaches Association
SHAWNEE, Okla. — Oklahoma Baptist University Wrestling is taking a major step forward as the Bison prepare to compete as new members of the National Collegiate Wrestling Association (NCWA) during the 2026–27 season.
The foundation for wrestling at Oklahoma Baptist was established in the spring of 2025 when OBU engineering major Kaden Baer recognized an opportunity to create a wrestling presence on campus. The program continued to develop throughout the 2025–26 academic year and eventually earned its first opportunity for intercollegiate competition in a dual at Pittsburg State University. The Bison came away with a victory in their first competition — and with an even stronger desire to build a complete collegiate wrestling program.
Critical to the early development of OBU Wrestling were Tyler Howle, a former collegiate wrestler and friend of the program, and David Gardner, OBU’s Club Sports Director. Gardner helped the team navigate the organizational and logistical process necessary to establish wrestling on campus, while Howle provided wrestling mats that gave the Bison a place to train. Their early support helped turn an idea into a growing collegiate wrestling team.
Entering 2026–27, Oklahoma Baptist now takes its biggest competitive step by joining the NCWA. Membership will provide the Bison with opportunities to compete regularly against NCAA, NCWA and NAIA collegiate wrestling programs throughout the season, participate in multiple tournaments and pursue advancement into NCWA postseason and national championship competition.
The program remains largely student-driven, with its wrestlers playing an important role in building the foundation for the future. OBU Wrestling welcomes students from a variety of competitive backgrounds, ranging from experienced wrestlers to students who are new to the sport and looking for an opportunity to learn, develop and compete.
As part of a Christian university, the Bison are also working to create an identity that extends beyond wins and losses. Faith, accountability, hard work and brotherhood are becoming central elements of the program’s culture as Oklahoma Baptist seeks to develop its student-athletes both on and off the mat.
The Bison have embraced the theme “Building Tradition” as they enter this foundational NCWA season. While today’s wrestlers are laying the groundwork, their vision is to establish a sustainable Oklahoma Baptist wrestling tradition that will provide opportunities for generations of future OBU students.
Joining the NCWA marks the beginning of that next chapter. For Oklahoma Baptist Wrestling, the 2026–27 season is about more than tournaments and competition — it is about establishing the foundation for what Bison Wrestling can become.
