RIVERSIDE— The California Baptist University wrestling program announced several new additions to its coaching staff this week ahead of the upcoming 2024-25 season.

The Lancers welcome Assistant Coaches Nathan Tomasello and Mark Munoz and a Director of Operations in Noah Hardy. The three additions bring numerous years of valuable experience at all levels of wrestling.

Coach Tomasello most recently coached at Duke University, where he was an assistant wrestling coach from 2020 to 21. During his time with the Blue Devils, Tomasello helped develop and coach Josh Finesilver to a top 12 finish at the NCAA Tournament. Following his time at Duke, Tomasello moved to Oklahoma to reunite with his former coach from Ohio State, Lou Roselli and became an Oklahoma RTC Coach and Athlete. As a part of Oklahoma RTC, Tomasello helped Joey Prata and Tony Madrigal earn trips to the NCAA Tournament.

Tomasello wrestled collegiately at Ohio State University from 2014-18 and would be named a team captain all four years. Tomasello helped lead the Buckeyes to the 2015 Team Championship and three BIG 10 titles. At the individual level, Tomasello was the individual champion at 125 lbs in 2015, was a 4x BIG 10 Champion, and a 4x DI All-American. Tomasello became just the 15th wrestler in program history to win the conference title in all four years. Following his graduation from Ohio State, Tomasello would earn silver medals at the Bill Farrell International, the 2019 US Senior Open Championship, and the 2020 Cerra Pelado International in Cuba and went on to qualify for the Olympic Trials. Tomasello competed at the 2021 Olympic Trials, where he placed third and earned a spot on the USA National Team. Additionally, Tomasello would take second at the 2021 World Team Trials at 61kg.

“With the addition of Coach Tomasello, I believe we have the best lightweight coaching staff in the nation. His proven track record of success in both freestyle and folkstyle wrestling will provide our athletes with the guidance and mentorship they need to reach their full potential,” said Head Coach Derek Moore.

Munoz, a Vallejo, CA native, began his coaching career at UC Davis, where he spent five years with the Aggies. During his time in Davis, Munoz helped coach and develop 15 NCAA qualifiers and the university’s first NCAA DI National Champion in current CBU Head Coach Derek Moore.

At the collegiate level, Munoz was a four-year starter at Oklahoma State under John Smith. Munoz won two BIG 12 titles with the Cowboys and was recognized as a senior as the BIG 12 Outstanding Wrestler of the Year. Munoz was also a back-to-back NCAA All-American in the 197lb weight class and became the first Filipino American to win a National Championship at the DI level. Additionally, he was a three-year FILA Junior World Team member, earning a silver medal at the Junior World Championships in 1998. Muñoz graduated from OSU with a Bachelor of Science in Health Science. Munoz enjoyed a seven-year UFC career in which he was ranked as high as #3 in the world. Munoz would compete in his final fight at the UFC Fight Night 66 in his home country of the Philippines.

“Bringing Coach Munoz aboard has been a dream of mine for some time. It is a full-circle moment for me to coach alongside my college wrestling coach, who played a key role in my pursuit of a national title at UC Davis. He brings a unique perspective and a wealth of knowledge to our program. His success in the UFC and his passion for wrestling will inspire our wrestlers to reach new heights,” reflected Coach Moore.

Hardy coached at Bellarmine from 2022-2024 and, during that time, helped the Knights to a 26-9 dual record, finishing fourth in the Southern Conference in both seasons. Hardy helped coach the Knights to the NWCA National Dual Championship in 2023 and 2024 and helped them become NWCA Team National Champions with ten individual champions over two seasons. During Coach Hardy’s tenure at Bellarmine, he helped coach five SoCon Commissioner’s Medal Award Winners, 15 SoCon honor roll members, three SoCon All-Freshman, two SoCon Academic All-Conference winners, and two NWCA 2024 Scholar All-Americans.

“Coach Hardy brings a wealth of experience in recruiting and administrative duties to the program. His expertise in event planning, fundraising, and building a Regional Training Center will be instrumental in elevating our program,” said Coach Moore.

Coach Moore reflected on the new additions to his staff and what their hiring represents for the program’s future.

“I’m incredibly grateful to welcome Mark Munoz, Nathan Tomasello, and Noah Hardy to our Lancer family. This staff expansion will be instrumental in taking this BIG 12 program to the next level. Combined, these men bring two national titles, six Power 5 conference titles, three Olympic trial appearances, and 16 UFC victories. More impressive than their accolades are their character, passion for wrestling, and love for Jesus. I could not be more excited for the future of CBU Wrestling. These men will provide a wealth of experience and mentorship to support our student-athletes as they chase down their dreams. With their support, we will build a nationally renowned program that glorifies God through the excellence of our student-athletes.