Quote:The California Baptist Lancers are about to begin their first season as a Division I program. Here is a look at what to expect from them.

When schools decide to move up to Division I there is an adjustment period, for some that period is long, while others find their footing quickly and fit right in. The California Baptist Lancers, who begin their first season as a Division I member, hope they fall into the latter category.

One thing the Lancers have going for them is the success they’ve had at the Division II level during the five-year tenure of head coach Rick Croy. Since his arrival in 2014, the team made five straight appearances in the Division II Tournament, reaching the Elite Eight last season.

In that time frame, Croy and the Lancers have put up some staggering numbers that would rival any Division I school. They have amassed an overall record of 132-29, a winning percentage of .820, they have also handled conference play with ease with a record of 83-17 and two regular season titles, a conference tournament title and two other title game appearances in the PacWest Conference. They have also held serve on their home floor of Van Dyne Gym over the last five seasons, winning 79 times and losing just seven. What makes that record even more impressive is that just one of those defeats was by more than six points.

Despite all that success, Division I is still a hefty step up in competition so you can expect some growing pains from the Lancers. Here is a preview of the team as they begin their first season at college basketball’s highest level.

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Well done. The second senior is Wyoming grad transfer Jeremy Lieberman. My guess is he'll start alongside Heading. Lieberman started all 37 games in 2016-17 for the Cowboys and will be a welcome addition as CBU begins this transition.

Just casually following some results in other Fall sports, CBU seems to be doing well.

Sitting on a toilet somewhere and interacting with you.

They're competitive, which is what you want and hope for. Women's volleyball is 11-5, 2-2 in conference. Women's soccer is 8-2-1, Men are 5-5-1, the golf, water polo and cross country teams are doing well. Men's and women's hoops will be the toughest. Some of the long non-conference road trips will be challenging. It's why you play!