The California Baptist Lancers have built a proud legacy in college athletics, excelling across multiple sports. Both California Baptist Lancers men’s basketball and California Baptist Lancers baseball have played key roles in shaping the university’s strong reputation. From championship runs to conference milestones, the Lancers continue to represent determination and excellence in every competition.
College Sports Established
1950
Location
Riverside, California
College Name
California Baptist University
Collegiate History
2019 - Present / NCAA Division I
Conference History
2018 - Present / Western Athletic Conference
Nickname
Lancers - The California Baptist Lancers are an NCAA Division I college sports team in Riverside, California. The school is a member of the Western Athletic Conference and competes in various sports, including basketball, baseball, softball, and more. While many may not know the origins of their nickname “Lancers,” it has quite a unique history.
California Baptist Lancers Origin
1961 when Cal Baptist was founded as California Baptist College, they adopted the mascot known as "the lancer." This choice came from two sources: firstly, medieval knights used lances to joust against one another, which symbolized courage and strength; secondly that an old English said, “lance-er's doit,” which means ‘doers get things done’ – something that resonated with students at CBC who wanted to be active members of society rather than passive observers.
Over time this name stuck with them even after becoming part of NCAA Division I athletics in 2020 - though some slight changes have been made, such as replacing their original mascot design (a knight) with a more modern look (a person wearing blue & white). Regardless what remains unchanged is how proud all those associated with CBU feel about being called 'Lancers' - whether playing on the court or cheering from the sidelines!
NCAA Championships
Baseball 0
Men's Basketball 0
Women's Basketball 0
Football 0
Soccer 0
- 1991
- 2019
- 2021
- 2023
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James W. Totman Stadium
James W. Totman Stadium is a baseball venue in Riverside, California, United States. It is home to the California Baptist Lancers baseball team of the NCAA Division I Western Athletic Conference (WAC). The field’s namesake is James W. Totman, a former local contractor. The field opened in 1991 and was remodeled in 2007, the field was constructed with seating areas, ... -
Cal Baptist Lancers Joins WAC
The California Baptist Lancers baseball team represents California Baptist University, which is located in Riverside, California. The Lancers are an NCAA Division I college baseball program that competes in the Western Athletic Conference. They began competing in Division I in 2019 and joined the Western Athletic Conference the same season. -
Lancers women basketball team won the WAC regular season championship
In the 2020-21 season, the Lancers won the WAC regular season championship with a perfect 14-0 record. Despite being ineligible for the NCAA tournament due to being in the third year of a four-year transition from Division II to Division I, they were allowed by the WAC to compete in the conference tournament. They won the semifinal and final matchups ... -
The Lancers won the 2023 Women’s Basketball Invitational tournament
The 2023 Women’s Basketball Invitational (WBI) is a single-elimination tournament consisting of eight NCAA Division I teams not selected to participate in the 2023 NCAA Division I women’s basketball tournament or 2023 Women’s National Invitation Tournament. The 2023 field was announced on March 13. The 2023 edition of the tournament was played on the campus of Transylvania University in Lexington, ...
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California Baptist Lancers History
The California Baptist Lancers have built a remarkable reputation in NCAA athletics, standing out for their determination, discipline, and sportsmanship. Known for their exciting rivalry with the Grand Canyon Antelopes, the California Baptist Lancers have become a respected name in college sports. Since joining the Western Athletic Conference (WAC), they’ve continued to grow into a competitive force across all major programs.
Founded in 1950, California Baptist University began competing in intercollegiate athletics decades later, making its mark in the 1980s during the early years of NCAA Division II competition. The California Baptist Lancers men’s basketball program made headlines almost immediately, capturing both regular-season and tournament championships in its first years. Between 1984 and 1987, the Lancers reached four straight Division II National Championship games, winning national titles in 1984 and 1986. This dominant run established their reputation as one of the most consistent programs of that era.
Beyond basketball, California Baptist Lancers baseball has also made a strong impact in collegiate sports. The team has captured multiple conference titles and consistently produced standout players who went on to professional careers. With a powerful lineup and dedicated coaching, the baseball program has maintained its position among the top teams in the WAC.
Lancers Achievements
The Lancers’ success extends beyond athletics. Over the years, the university has developed elite coaching talent, with several former staff members moving on to lead programs at major universities, including USC and Arizona. This demonstrates the depth of experience and excellence that defines California Baptist Lancers athletics.
In recent years, the California Baptist Lancers men’s basketball team has adapted well to NCAA Division I, earning recognition for strong performances against tough competition. Meanwhile, California Baptist Lancers baseball continues to represent the university with pride, achieving consistent winning records and postseason appearances.
Overall, the California Baptist Lancers have evolved into a powerhouse within the Western Athletic Conference, known for their championship mindset and all-around excellence. Whether it’s basketball, baseball, or other sports, the Lancers’ history reflects hard work, integrity, and a relentless pursuit of success that continues to inspire student-athletes and fans alike.
