Wayland Baptist University may sit quietly in Plainview between Amarillo and Lubbock, but its wrestling program continues to assert itself on the national stage. This season, the Pioneers’ women’s team has climbed to No. 5 in the NAIA Coaches Poll, while the men’s program sits No. 20, signaling momentum across both sides of the room.
That rise reflects intentional development more than overnight success. Under head coach Stryder Davis, who took over the program in 2022 as only the fourth head coach in Wayland wrestling history, the Pioneers have steadily built depth, balance, and competitive consistency. Davis arrived with experience starting and developing collegiate programs, and the results are now becoming visible nationally.
A Program With History and Impact
Wayland Baptist wrestling holds a unique place in Texas wrestling history. For years, it stood as the state’s lone collegiate wrestling program, helping sustain the sport at the college level in a football-dominated region. Over time, the program established credibility through consistent national qualifiers and All-American performances.
Perhaps the most recognizable name tied to Wayland Baptist is Tamyra Mensah-Stock, the Olympic gold medalist who developed part of her collegiate career in Plainview. Her journey, from Wayland to the world’s biggest stage, remains a powerful example of what’s possible in the program’s environment and continues to resonate with athletes considering their own paths.
Women Leading the Way
The women’s team has been the driving force this season. Their Top 5 ranking reflects lineup depth rather than reliance on a single standout, a key indicator of team success at the national level. As women’s wrestling continues to grow rapidly, Wayland’s rise places it firmly among the NAIA’s elite and reinforces Texas as a legitimate pipeline for high-level women’s wrestling.
Men Building Momentum
The men’s program’s (Top 20) ranking further illustrates the program’s overall health. Competing in the Sooner Athletic Conference, one of the NAIA’s more demanding leagues, Wayland has continued to develop athletes capable of competing nationally while maintaining balance across weight classes.
Development Over Labels
What separates Wayland Baptist is its emphasis on development over division labels. The program has consistently provided opportunity for athletes who may not have been heavily recruited out of high school but are committed to growth. For parents and athletes navigating the recruiting process, Wayland offers a reminder that environment, coaching, and long term development often matter more than classification.
With both programs trending upward, Wayland Baptist wrestling is entering one of the strongest chapters in its history, built deliberately, sustained by culture, and proven on the mat.
Photos: Claudia Lusk
