Smith Hires Ernest James to Coach CSUB Wrestling

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. – Cal State Bakersfield wrestling Head Coach Luke Smith is excited to announce the addition of Ernest James to the Roadrunner coaching staff. A strong wrestling mind with ties to the Central Valley, James will serve CSUB as an Assistant Coach, helping Smith guide the `Runners back to the NCAA Championships.

"We are very excited to add Ernest to the staff," Smith said of his recent hire. "He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience. I see him being a major piece of helping establish Cal State Bakersfield as a top program."

James comes to Bakersfield with seven years of coaching experience, including spending the 2023-24 season as the Associate Head Coach at Hofstra University. In his year at Hofstra, James helped guide one member of the Pride to the NCAA Championships as heavyweight graduate transfer Keaton Kluever qualified for the first time in his career.

In the four years prior to his arrival at Hofstra, James served his alma mater, Edinboro University, as an Assistant Coach. He helped coach six NCAA qualifiers and 18 Mid-American Conference placewinners. James also played a vital part in the program's 2020 recruiting class being ranked Top 25 in the nation.

As a student-athlete with the Scots, James was a three-time NCAA Qualifier at heavyweight, compiling a career record of 100-49. He won one EWL and one PSAC championship and he was a four-time conference placewinner. At the time of his graduation, James ranked eighth in Edinboro history in career falls (37).

Following his collegiate career, James also spent time at the Valley Regional Training Center, run out of Fresno State, giving him important insight to the state of wrestling in California.

James has joined the `Runners, hitting the ground running as they prepare to host Michigan State for a dual on Sunday, Dec. 15. Come out to support Cal State Bakersfield with the first bout scheduled for 11 a.m. (PT) in the Icardo Center. Beat the line, buy online: GoRunners.com/Tickets.

About CSUB Athletics

CSUB Athletics is the NCAA Division I program for Bakersfield and Kern County. The Roadrunners have claimed 29 national championships and 206 individual national titles. Located in the 9^th largest city in California, CSUB Athletics sponsors 16 sports and is a proud member of The Big West and Pac-12.

~GoRunners.com~

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