BAKERSFIELD, Calif. – Cal State Bakersfield Head Wrestling Coach Luke Smith has announced the addition of Daniel Manibog and Richard Castro-Sandoval to the Roadrunners' coaching staff heading into the 2026-27 season. Manibog will serve as an assistant coach for the `Runners while Castro-Sandoval has signed on as a graduate assistant coach.
Smith on the recent additions: "We are very excited to add Daniel and Richie to the coaching staff. This gives us the ability to give our student-athletes more individual attention. Daniel fits the need we have for a middle weight coach. He brings great experience from his years at Oklahoma State and Cal Baptist. Richie has been a great leader and example for the team with his incredible work ethic. We are happy to have him while he looks to get his master's degree. Both guys are interested in continuing to compete on the Sr level to pursue world teams as well."
Daniel Manibog – Assistant Coach
Manibog began his coaching career as a graduate assistant at California Baptist during the summer and fall semesters of 2025. He also volunteered with the `Runners during the second half of the 2025-26 season. In addition, Manibog has served as a Team Texas national team coach for Junior Duals and Fargo Nationals.
Manibog joins the Roadrunners' coaching staff following a decorated collegiate wrestling career and previous coaching experience at California Baptist and CSUB. He competed for five seasons at Oklahoma State University under head coach John Smith before transferring to CBU, where he was a starter at 165 pounds during the 2024-25 season.
During his collegiate career, Manibog earned 2022 U23 Freestyle All-American honors, an All-Academic Big 12 selection and NWCA Scholar All-American recognition. His experience competing at two Division I programs provides him with a strong understanding of the demands of high-level collegiate wrestling.
Before competing collegiately, Manibog established himself as one of the top wrestlers in Texas. He was a three-time Texas 6A state champion and a two-time high school All-American at Junior Freestyle Nationals, placing fourth and fifth in the event.
Richard Castro-Sandoval – Graduate Assistant Coach
Castro-Sandoval brings a valuable combination of competitive experience and coaching experience to the Roadrunner staff. A former Pac-12 Championships placewinner, he qualified for the 2025 NCAA Championships at 125 pounds after posting a 17-12 record and earning an upset victory over a nationally ranked opponent. Throughout his collegiate career, Castro-Sandoval also coached at the club level, gaining experience developing wrestlers and sharing the knowledge he accumulated as a high-level competitor. His perspective as both a student-athlete and coach will provide an immediate benefit to CSUB's wrestlers.
~GoRunners.com~
