Wayland Baptist University has silently become one of the most consistent collegiate wrestling programs in Texas. The Pioneers now stand among the Lone Star State’s strongest collegiate wrestling programs, backed by results that speak for themselves.
This season, the women’s team climbed to No. 5 in the NAIA national rankings, while the men’s program currently sits inside the Top 20. Those rankings follow a significant milestone from last season, when the men’s team captured the Sooner Athletic Conference championship for the first time in school history, highlighted by a decisive road win at Oklahoma City University, a result that turned heads within the conference.
Under head coach Stryder Davis, now in his third season leading the program, Wayland’s progress has been steady rather than sudden. Davis became the fourth head coach in program history in 2022, inheriting a foundation that has continued to develop across both the men’s and women’s sides. To better understand what’s behind the rankings, Wrestling Texas spoke with Davis about culture, development, recruiting, and the people driving Wayland’s rise.
Wrestling Texas: What defines the culture of Wayland Baptist wrestling, and is there a difference between the men’s and women’s programs?
Coach Stryder Davis:
What really defines both our men’s and women’s programs is that we use the sport of wrestling as a tool to strengthen our relationship with God. Wrestling is a powerful way to reach young people who are away from home for the first time and help them build a foundation rooted in faith. Competing for us isn’t just about wins and losses. We wrestle to honor Him, to grow in character, and to develop discipline that carries into every part of life.
The day-to-day experience might look a little different, but the heart of both programs is exactly the same.
Wrestling Texas: What separates Wayland from other NAIA programs?
Coach Stryder Davis:
What separates Wayland from many other NAIA programs is the combination of a loving, family-oriented Christian community and a staff that is fully committed to serving our athletes. We’re blessed to have coaches who have competed and coached at the highest levels, but we try to use those experiences in a way that lifts our students rather than draws attention to ourselves.
My assistant coach, Mike Mena, is a four-time Division I All-American from Iowa and has coached national champions and All-Americans. I’ve been fortunate to win two national titles and coach at the Division I level as well. Alex Pena brings incredible energy and was an All-American just last year. Malarie Dominguez, our graduate assistant, has been a tremendous asset for the women’s program, and Jared Crain is the backbone of our logistics and operations.
What truly sets us apart is how all of those strengths come together with one purpose, to serve our athletes and help them grow.
Wrestling Texas: The women’s team jumped to No. 5 nationally this season. What changed?
Coach Stryder Davis:
It’s been a mixture of everything. Recruiting has been important, but retention and development have been just as critical. What’s really made the difference is the mindset shift. Our athletes are training with purpose, holding each other accountable, and building real confidence.
Confidence is not accidental. It comes from consistent hard work and discipline in your lifestyle, and it’s been exciting to see that maturity show up in competition.
Wrestling Texas: Who has helped set the tone for this rise?
Coach Stryder Davis:
On the men’s side, Jesse Lewis, Emmett Bivens, Dayne Garcia-Stormer, and Jaden Two Lance have really raised the standard through their work ethic and the way they carry themselves every day.
On the women’s side, Jordan Suarez has been a steady leader, but the strength of our women’s program is our depth. We currently have twelve nationally ranked athletes, and we also have several others who are right on the edge of breaking into the rankings. They’re kind of our little secret right now, and they drive the competitive culture in the room.
Wrestling Texas: How do you define success beyond wins and rankings?
Coach Stryder Davis:
Success for us goes far beyond wins and rankings. We try not to make results the main focus. Instead, we emphasize individual performance and putting together your best effort every time you step on the mat. When an athlete commits to that process, the wins usually follow.
Our mission is to cultivate complete athletes..young men and women who perform at a high level, strive to be honor-roll students, and inspire others to chase their own dreams.
Wrestling Texas: How do you help athletes maximize their potential, especially those who weren’t heavily recruited out of high school?
Coach Stryder Davis:
We work hard to show our athletes that potential isn’t determined by how heavily they were recruited in high school. In college wrestling, dedication will always outperform talent that isn’t fully committed.
We focus on the full package..technique, strength and conditioning, hydration, nutrition, sleep, mental health, spiritual health, and time management. When athletes take ownership of all those areas, they unlock growth they may not have realized they were capable of. Once they understand that success comes from complete dedication, there’s nothing that can stop them in wrestling or in life.
Wrestling Texas Closing
With national rankings on both sides of the program and a historic SAC championship now part of the résumé, Wayland Baptist wrestling continues to build momentum rooted in purpose, discipline, and development. For athletes and parents willing to look beyond labels, the program in Plainview offers a clear path, one built to last.
Photos: Claudia Lusk
