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California State University at Bakersfield Athletics

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2024-25 Wrestling Roster

Arthur Smith
Brandon Vallance
Brandon Vallance
David Dennis/All-Star Sports Photography
David Dennis/All-Star Sports Photography
David Dennis/All-Star Sports Photography
David Dennis/All-Star Sports Photography
Hylighter Photography
Hylighter Photography
Sam Janicki

Braden Smelser

  • Position 184
  • Height 6-1
  • Class Senior
  • Hometown Santa Clarita, Calif.
  • Highschool Valencia HS

Biography

2024-25 (SENIOR): Went 2-4 on the year before suffering a season-ending injury…Went 2-2 at the Roadrunner Open, including CSUB’s fastest pin of the season (0:47).

2023-24 (JUNIOR): Wrestled at 184, posting a 4-16 record on the year…Went 0-8 in duals and was 0-2 against ranked opponents…Placed fourth at Roadrunner Open with 3-1 record including two pins and a tech fall…Went 1-2 at Cliff Keen…Represented CSUB at Pac-12 Championships, going 0-3 including two close decisions.

2022-23 (SOPHOMORE): Wrestled to an 1-18 record while 0-10 in duals...Posted lone win in the Reno Tournament of Champions, going 1-2 with victory over Vanguard's Omar Rosas during a 6-0 decision...Performed at the Pac-12 Championships as CSUB's 165-pounder, going 0-3 in the tournament.

2021-22 (FRESHMAN): Was 4-10 in tournament competition...Won twice in the season opening Menlo Open...Finished 2-3 at the Roadrunner Open...Also competed at the Southern Scuffle and the Last Chance Open. 

2020-21 (WAIVER) : Competed in both ends of CSUB's tri-meet with Stanford and Little Rock...Fell to #21 Tyler Eischens of Stanford in first career dual meet. 

HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Valencia High School, competing for coach Brian Peterson...Wrestled to an eighth-place finish at the state tournament as a senior, earning All-Area honors and finishing as the runner-up at CIF sectionals...Four-time All-League choice...Led Vikings to league and CIF titles in 2020.  

PERSONAL: Majoring in Petroleum Engineering. 

Historical Player Information

  • 2020-21Freshman

    165
    6'1"

  • 2021-22Freshman

    165
    6'1"

  • 2022-23Sophomore

    165
    6'1"

  • 2023-24Junior

    184
    6'1"

  • 2024-25Senior

    184
    6'1"
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