In this powerful episode of The Stronger Leader Podcast, Tony Cardello sits down with Nolan Kistler and Kristian Vazquez for a raw, passionate, and faith-centered conversation about the controversial decision to eliminate the wrestling program at California Baptist University. What unfolds is far bigger than a discussion about one sport being cut. This episode is about leadership, conviction, accountability, courage, and what happens when a community refuses to stay silent in the face of a decision they believe is wrong.Nolan and Kristian bring firsthand insight into the legacy and impact of CBU Wrestling, not only as alumni and advocates, but as men who understand exactly what the sport builds in people. Wrestling is not just competition. It forges discipline, grit, humility, resilience, brotherhood, and character. It teaches young men how to suffer, how to persevere, how to lose with dignity, and how to fight for something bigger than themselves. In this conversation, they explain why the loss of this program reaches far beyond the mats and into the lives of current athletes, future wrestlers, families, alumni, and the wider Southern California wrestling community.Tony brings his signature intensity and heart to the discussion, challenging the silence from leadership and speaking openly about the moral, spiritual, and communal dimensions of what is happening. Together, they talk about the frustration surrounding the university’s handling of the decision, the absence of transparency, and the real-world consequences for student-athletes whose futures have been disrupted academically, athletically, and personally. They also highlight the incredible response from the wrestling community, including fundraising efforts, public advocacy, organized action, and the growing coalition determined to fight for the program’s future.But at the center of this entire conversation is something even deeper than wrestling: Jesus Christ. This episode makes it clear that The Stronger Leader is not just about leadership principles or motivational talk. It is first and foremost a ministry. It is about bringing people to Christ, standing firm in truth, and using hard moments to point people back to faith. Nolan and Kristian share how CBU Wrestling has created opportunities for spiritual growth, discipleship, and life transformation, including the impact the program has had on athletes who gave their lives to Christ during their time there. That reality makes this issue even more significant, because this is not simply a budget conversation. It is a conversation about mission, values, and whether leadership is truly willing to stand on the principles it claims to represent.This episode is for wrestlers, parents, coaches, believers, leaders, and anyone who understands that some things are worth fighting for. It is for anyone who has ever been forced to stand in the gap when silence would have been easier. It is a reminder that even in controversy, God is still at work, and even in disappointment, purpose can still rise. Whether this program is ultimately restored or not, this conversation shows what can happen when men of faith and conviction come together, speak boldly, and refuse to back down.#TheStrongerLeader #CBUWrestling #SaveCBUWrestling #FaithAndLeadership #ChristianPodcast #WrestlingCommunity #LeadershipMatters #StandForTruth #JesusChrist #CollegeWrestlingYoutube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@tc2_thestrongerleaderInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/tc2_thestrongerleader/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tc2_thestrongerleader?lang=enFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576193931762Connect with Keep CBU Wrestling, Nolan & Kristian: IG for Keep CBU: https://www.instagram.com/keepcbuwrestling/ IG for Nolan: https://www.instagram.com/nolankistler/IG for Kristian: https://www.instagram.com/cujomars/Donate or more information: https://keepcbuwrestling.com/
