Call Disaster Response for Emergency Water Damage Clean-Up
- 24/7 Emergency Response - Call Now!
- Stop The Damage Before Mold Forms
- Our Home Inusurance Claim Experts Are Ready
- Learn How We Help Families With Water Damage
Call us 877-451-9251Water Damage Restoration in Bakersfield, CA
Owning a home or business is one of the hallmarks of living the American Dream. While there are many fulfilling and positive aspects of owning property, one of the challenges that owners face is property damage. This type of damage can be caused by a range of disasters, both man-made and natural. Of all the types of property damage, water damage is among the most common.
Whether from broken pipes or heavy thunderstorms, it doesn't take a professor from Bakersfield College in Bakersfield to know that water damage can be incredibly harmful to your home. Water can spread quickly throughout your property, causing damage to furniture and porous materials as it moves. In the blink of an eye, you could be looking at substantial rotting, warping, and even mold growth. That's why water damage restoration in Bakersfield, CA is so important - to mitigate the damage to your home and help prevent it from happening in the future.
Trying to overcome flooding and other water-related disasters on your own can seem like a lost cause. But with Disaster Response by your side, you don't have to lose hope. As a local water damage clean-up company, we provide comprehensive restoration services to properties of all sizes in Bakersfield. From the first time we assess your water damage to the time we mitigate and restore, we're here for you.
Fire Damage for Ben Leeper
Mold Remediation for hlsmith0814
Sewer Backup for Lisa Beadle
Soot Removal for Edd Bowen
Water Damage for Tonya Luvisch
Fire Damage for Taryn Connell
Mold Remediation for Karen Romonouski
Sewer Backup for Amanda Shohoney
Soot Removal for arlene tortorello
Water Damage for Meagan
Fire Damage for Kala Doyle
Mold Remediation for Joan Campbell
Sewer Backup for Shannon Wade
Soot Removal for Sharrn
Water Damage for Tracy Farah
Dealing with property damage can be overwhelming. You're likely concerned about a few key things:
Navigating the insurance claim process
We guide you through every step, ensuring you understand the process and get the most out of your claim.
Scheduling for a quick and quality completion
We provide a clear timeline for restoration, prioritizing both speed and quality, so you can get back to normal as soon as possible.
You might also be thinking about:
Ensuring the safety and health of your family or employees during the restoration: Our team takes all necessary precautions to protect the safety and health of everyone involved, using the latest techniques and equipment.
Understanding the full scope of the damage and what needs to be done:We conduct a thorough assessment of the damage and provide a detailed plan of action, so you know exactly what to expect.
Knowing the costs upfront and avoiding unexpected expenses: We provide transparent pricing and a detailed estimate before any work begins, so there are no surprises along the way.
Preventing future issues, such as mold growth or structural problems: We don't just fix the visible damage—we address the root causes to prevent future issues, giving you peace of mind.
Protecting your belongings and valuables from further damage: We take extra care to safeguard your possessions during the restoration process, minimizing any further impact.
Minimizing disruption to your daily life or business operations: We work efficiently and flexibly to reduce the disruption to your routine, allowing you to continue with your life or business as smoothly as possible.
Finding a trustworthy team to handle your property with care: Our experienced and highly-trained professionals treat your property as if it were their own, ensuring the highest standard of care.
Ensuring the job is done right the first time: We pride ourselves on doing the job right the first time, using industry-leading techniques and thorough quality checks to ensure lasting results.
Receiving clear communication and updates throughout the restoration process: We keep you informed every step of the way, providing regular updates and clear communication, so you're never left in the dark.
Ensuring the safety and health of your family or employees during the restoration: Our team takes all necessary precautions to protect the safety and health of everyone involved, using the latest techniques and equipment.
At Disaster Response, It's All About You
Like Buena Vista Museum of Natural History Science in Bakersfield, Disaster Response has been a pillar of the community for years. As a second-generation disaster response company, we know that our work is never about us. At its most basic, it's always about you—your situation, your needs, and your satisfaction. We engineer our processes to help you quickly recover from water floods and disasters. Our total focus is on you, our valued customer. And that, in a nutshell, is what makes Disaster Response one of the most trusted and highly-rated water restoration companies in Bakersfield.
Instead of focusing on profit, bottom lines, and yearly projections, we make you our priority. That's why we're serious about providing expert-level disaster preparedness and response services when you need them the most. Could you imagine trying to decipher misleading fine print or dealing with a pushy salesperson when you're just trying to get your life back together? That's not the Disaster Response way, and it never will be.
We don't just clean up after water leaks, floods, or other disasters; we go above and beyond by providing a consultative approach that serves you for years to come. We assist you in dealing with insurance adjusters to ensure you get the coverage you deserve without unnecessary delays. We make it a point to meticulously review every detail of your claim and work hard to make sure adjusters understand the full extent of your losses. We can also provide guidance on how and when to engage a public adjuster to bypass inefficiencies in the insurance process. At the end of the day, we strive to provide peace of mind during your difficult time and work tirelessly to get your property back to its pre-loss condition.
The Disaster Response Difference
Professional Technicians, Technology, and Processes
In fact, we'll dispatch a team of water disaster technicians to you within three minutes. We'll also advise you on what can be done to minimize the water damage in your home or business. Our water damage restoration team will use cutting-edge technology and IICRC-approved methods to restore as much of your property as possible.
Insurance Advocacy
Disaster Response works one-on-one with you and your insurance provider to expedite the claims process and get your home back to normal as soon as possible.
Satisfaction Guaranteed
We're proud of our work and stand behind every project we complete. Our goal is to exceed expectations and provide peace of mind throughout every step of your water damage restoration process. If you're not satisfied for any reason, we'll listen to your concerns and work tirelessly to rectify any issues that need addressing.
Your Guide to Water Damage Restoration in Bakersfield, CA
Water damage restoration is a key step in remediating damage to your home, both structurally and aesthetically. Damage from water doesn't just affect the walls, floors, and ceilings in your home. It can also cause deeper issues that, when untreated, can weaken your foundation significantly and lead to long-term instability.
As if that weren't enough, water damage can present health hazards to your friends, family, and pets. Mold and bacteria can grow in damp areas after water incidents, causing allergies, respiratory problems, and even visits to Pacifica Senior Living Bakersfield in Bakersfield for examination. Ignoring water damage can also result in irreversible harm to your belongings, including furniture, electronics, and sentimental items, leading to financial loss and emotional distress. Professional water clean-up services can repair the damage to your property, help protect valuable assets, and re-establish your home or business as a safe, healthy environment for occupants.
What Makes Our Water Damage Company in Bakersfield, CA, Different from Others?
One of the most common questions we get at Disaster Response is, "What separates you from other water damage clean-up companies in Bakersfield?" The first and easiest answer to that question centers around our commitment to customer service. We hold our clients in high regard because, without them, there would be no Disaster Response. As such, we work tirelessly to provide them with quality work from friendly and helpful technicians, regardless of the size of their home or business.
But that's just the start. Our clients recommend friends and family to our business because we prioritize the following:
Cost
Investing in damage restoration for your home is a smart move that can help reduce long-term costs. The best part? Our services are covered by insurance companies, so there's less worry about paying out of pocket.
Technicians
Every member of our team has years of experience, specialized training, and certifications in handling water damage. We prioritize our customers' well-being and meticulously attend to every detail to prevent any potential mold-related issues in the future. From single-family homes to
Time
Water disasters happen quicker than you might think. One moment, you're enjoying family time at Hart Memorial Park in Bakersfield. The next, you're pulling in your driveway to a flooded home. When you call our office, we'll get to work assessing the cause of your water damage and how extensive the water damage is in your home or business. From there, we'll dispatch a team of IICRC water damage restoration experts to your location.
Tools
Disaster Response has made significant investments in cutting-edge water damage equipment, including inspection tools that enable thorough water removal. Our technicians have undergone extensive training to operate these machines and know when and when not to use them.
Process
For over 40 years, we have been helping with water damage issues, refining our process along the way. We can quickly find hidden damages that others might miss and document everything for your insurance company.
Reliable Water Damage Restoration Network
We aren't afraid to ask for help if it means a safer, more enjoyable environment for your family or customers. In fact, we have access to a network of industry pros who are experts in a range of water damage services. To make your life a little easier, we also work with insurance professionals who assist with the claims process.
What Does Disaster Response Fix?
As an IICRC-certified water damage contractor in Bakersfield, CA, our technicians can address several areas of your home or business that have been damaged by a water disaster.
- Floors: It's very important to take the necessary time and steps to effectively dry your floors to prevent any potential water damage and mold growth in the future.
- Walls: Depending on the amount of water that enters your business or home, the structural integrity of your property may be at stake. Our technicians will evaluate the situation, inspect your property, and replace materials damaged by water.
- Rugs: If your rugs get wet during flooding or from another water disaster, they may be salvageable. We'll work hard to save all the rugs in your property.
- Furniture: Your furniture is probably expensive and may hold a certain level of sentimental value. Instead of throwing it away or donating it to Kern County Museum in Bakersfield, we can repair and restore it.
Disaster Response specializes in every kind of damage caused by rain, wind, or snowstorms. We handle water damage, mold, mildew, and more, and can be at your home or office within an hour of your call to assess the situation and put a water damage restoration plan into action.
What Tools Does Disaster Response Use for Water Damage Clean-Up?
We only use the best equipment! With our extensive experience in the Bakersfield restoration industry, we've acquired state-of-the-art tools designed to tackle a wide range of challenges. This experience has also allowed our technicians to identify which type of equipment is best for a particular situation. Some of the most common water damage restoration tools we use include:
Infrared Cameras
Our infrared cameras give us the ability to see moisture in walls and ceilings that is not visible to the naked eye, almost like having "X-ray" vision. This capability allows us to detect and address trapped and hidden humidity, significantly reducing the risk of mold growth.
Moisture Meters
We use moisture meters to measure moisture levels in cellulose material. Before and after the drying process, we will conduct moisture readings in all areas of your property. If we detect moisture in an unaffected area of your building, we'll get to work quickly to dry it.
Air Movers
This equipment is designed to work in conjunction with our dehumidifiers. While our dehumidifiers extract moisture from the air and convert it to a liquid, our Air Mover helps to circulate this moisture in the air so that the dehumidifier can effectively remove it.
Ozone Generators
These advanced tools enable us to cleanse affected surfaces and the air in a more effective manner. Ozone Generators work by causing oxygen molecules to implode, making them a valuable deodorization tool.
Xtreme Xtractor
This tool is great for tackling tough moisture after water damage. It allows us to apply direct pressure to a surface, like a carpet, that has soaked up water. The pressure helps draw out the water, making it easier to remove.
Top 3 Types of Water Damage You Should Know About
Water damage can strike without warning and can wreak havoc on your property, leaving you feeling hopeless and overwhelmed. Whether it's from a burst pipe, a severe storm, or an overflowing appliance, your property needs immediate water damage clean-up in Bakersfield, CA, to prevent further harm. Here are the top three types of water damage you should know about:
Clean Water Damage
This type of water damage happens from a "clean" source, such as rainwater or a broken pipe in your home. It's easier to clean up than others on this list but can still cause extensive property damage when ignored.
Gray Water Damage
Gray water damage stems from appliances such as toilets without feces, washing machines, and dishwashers. Gray water sometimes contains bacteria and contaminants that can make you or your family sick.
Black Water Damage
The name alone indicates the severity of this type of water damage. It's caused by backed-up sewer lines, river flooding, and standing water that supports bacteria growth. Black water presents serious health hazards and needs to be handled by professional water damage contractors.
If you suspect your home or business has been damaged by one or more of the types of water above, take the following steps:
- Be Safe: Turn off all electricity running through your property. Don't go near or touch any water you believe to be contaminated.
- Stop the Source of Water: If you're able, put a stop to the water at its source. That way, you can prevent more damage.
- Call Disaster Response: Contact our water damage company ASAP for water restoration services. Our team is available 24/7 to respond to emergencies.
Our Process for Water Damage Restoration in Bakersfield, CA
Having a water damage restoration company by your side who knows how to remediate moisture is a key factor in getting your life back on track. At Disaster Response, we have refined our process over 40+ years of water damage clean-up experience. That way, we can provide customers with reliable, comprehensive service when they need it the most.
We utilize powerful pumps and vacuums to eliminate standing water from your property. Swift water removal is essential in minimizing damage and lowering the likelihood of mold growth. Our team is dedicated to ensuring efficient water extraction to prevent any additional complications.
After extracting water from your property, we dry and dehumidify the impacted areas. We use industrial-grade dehumidifiers and air movers to do so to eliminate moisture from walls, floors, and furniture. Proper drying helps prevent warping, swelling, and the growth of mold.
Whenever we deal with water damage, we have to address the potential contaminants and bacteria that can enter your home. We make sure to thoroughly clean and sanitize all affected areas to create a safe living environment. This involves cleaning carpets, upholstery, and personal belongings. Our technicians also use antimicrobial treatments to prevent mold and bacterial growth.
The final step in the process is the restoration of your home to its pre-damage condition. This comprehensive restoration process may encompass a range of tasks, from minor repairs such as replacing drywall and installing new carpeting to major reconstruction efforts. Rest assured that Disaster Response is fully equipped to manage all aspects of water damage restoration, from start to finish.
- Maintenance: Have your business or home's roof, appliances, and plumbing inspected by professionals to spot early signs of wear and tear.
- Water Alarms: If there is a flood or leak in your home, a water alarm can alert you so that you can take action immediately.
- Drainage: Your home needs proper drainage systems in place at all times. To prevent water buildup, be sure to unclog your downspouts and gutters.
- Cracks and Gaps: Be sure to seal up any cracks and gaps in your property's foundation to limit water from getting inside.
The Water Damage Company in Bakersfield, CA, You Can Trust
When you want a great steak, you don't go to a fast-food joint and expect a filet. You go to a Flame Fire Brazilian Steakhouse in Bakersfield. When you need quality disaster response services from licensed professionals, you don't go to a fly-by-night shop. You contact Disaster Response.
As a local water damage clean-up business, we believe that providing clients with effective service that they can rely on in times of stress is of utmost importance. While some of our competitors prioritize profits over people, you can rest easy knowing we care about you - and that's something you can always count on when you choose our water damage company.
Whether a pipe has burst in your commercial space and your showroom is flooding, or your home has standing water from a Bakersfield rainstorm, we're here for you 24/7. Contact our office to learn more about the Disaster Response difference or to schedule an inspection for your property today.
Contact Your Emergency Disaster Response Now!
Latest News in Bakersfield, CA
Dia De Los Muertos festivities in Bakersfield
Madi Vollmerhttps://www.turnto23.com/news/in-your-neighborhood/bakersfield/dia-de-los-muertos-festivities-in-bakersfield
BAKERSFIELD. CALIF, (KERO) — The Kern County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce invites the community to honor loved ones and celebrate culture on November 3rd.For your convenience, the skimmable summary above is generated with the assistance of AI and fact checked by our team prior to publication. Read the full story as originally reported below.Broadcast transcript:Dia de los Muertos is known as a day of remembrance. The community of Bakersfield is sharing the importance of the day.Day of the dead ...
BAKERSFIELD. CALIF, (KERO) — The Kern County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce invites the community to honor loved ones and celebrate culture on November 3rd.
For your convenience, the skimmable summary above is generated with the assistance of AI and fact checked by our team prior to publication. Read the full story as originally reported below.
Broadcast transcript:
Dia de los Muertos is known as a day of remembrance. The community of Bakersfield is sharing the importance of the day.
Day of the dead celebrations are happening all throughout Kern County. It's a festive way to remember our loved ones who have passed away and here in southwest Bakersfield is a bakery where they specialize in Pan de Muerto.
Mike Anguiano, is the owner of Bread and Honey and he says, " Pan de Muerto is bread of death which symbolizes the circle of life and death to our loved ones and in memory of the loved ones."
Bread and Honey has been in Bakersfield since December of 2021, and they say bringing their culture to the bakery was important. "I thought it was a good thing to bring it into the community and to the area and to offer the consumers a taste of different traditions." He said.
The Kern County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce is also bringing traditions to Bakersfield. They will be having a Dia de los Muertos festival.
David Alanis, is one of the Executive Board Member of KCHCC, and he says, "It's just a time to fellowship and get together with the family and bring about what those family members like and remember them."
The Kern County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce says this event keeps growing and growing each year. "We find that it is a very Hispanic tradition however now we see non-Hispanics also joining in." Alanis says.
Organizers say the proceeds of this festival will go toward scholarship funds for students to expand their education.
The Kern County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce invites the community to their Dia de los Muertos festival on November 3 at the Kern County Fairgrounds starting at 1 pm.
Stay in Touch with Us Anytime, Anywhere:
Copyright 2024 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Bears Host CSU Bakersfield In Season Opener
California Golden Bears Athleticshttps://calbears.com/news/2024/11/1/mens-basketball-bears-host-csu-bakersfield-in-season-opener.aspx
BERKELEY – The California men's basketball team opens the 2024-25 season at home Monday night against CSU Bakersfield. Tipoff is slated for 8:30 p.m. PT – or approximately 40 minutes following the conclusion of the Cal women's basketball season opener against Saint Mary's at 6 p.m. – on ACC Network Extra (ACCNX). Fans with men's basketball tickets can claim a free ticket to the women's game.GAME INFORMATIONINSIDE THE MATCHUP – CAL VS. CSU BAKERSFIELD...
BERKELEY – The California men's basketball team opens the 2024-25 season at home Monday night against CSU Bakersfield. Tipoff is slated for 8:30 p.m. PT – or approximately 40 minutes following the conclusion of the Cal women's basketball season opener against Saint Mary's at 6 p.m. – on ACC Network Extra (ACCNX). Fans with men's basketball tickets can claim a free ticket to the women's game.
GAME INFORMATION
INSIDE THE MATCHUP – CAL VS. CSU BAKERSFIELD
STARTING FIVE 1. New Conference, New Bears Cal enters its inaugural ACC season with a retooled roster, featuring 11 scholarship newcomers and 15 total student-athletes wearing Blue and Gold for the first time. Ten of the 11 scholarship newcomers arrived in Berkeley through the transfer portal and collectively ranked as the nation's 12th-best transfer class (On3).
2. Madsen Era, Year 2 It's year two in Berkeley for head coach Mark Madsen, who reinvigorated the Cal program and its fan base with a 10-win improvement in 2023-24. The Bears placed sixth in the Pac-12 last season, marking their best conference finish since 2016-17, and earned marquee wins at UCLA and against NCAA Tournament squads Washington State, Oregon and Colorado. Mad Dog – who was awarded a two-year contract extension in March 2024 that'll keep him at Cal until 2030 – now leads the Bears into a new era in the ACC.
3. Been There Before Two of Cal's transfers – graduate center Mady Sissoko and graduate guard Jovan Blacksher Jr. – both reached the NCAA Tournament Round of 32 last March with Michigan State and Grand Canyon, respectively.
Sissoko played in 121 career games across four NCAA Tournament squads at Michigan State and averaged 5.5 rebounds per game while shooting nearly 60% from the floor in the past two seasons. Blacksher, a former All-WAC first-team selection and the 2022-23 WAC Preseason Player of the Year, was a member of three NCAA Tournament teams with the Antelopes and has fully recovered from a knee injury that sidelined him for 11 months starting in early January 2023. The Oakland native averaged 11.0 points, 3.5 assists, 3.2 rebounds and 1.4 steals in 123 career games for Grand Canyon.
4. Switching Sides Sophomore guard Andrej Stojakovic will play for the Golden Bears this season after starting his collegiate career in the South Bay with rival Stanford. Stojakovic, a former McDonald's All-American and five-star recruit out of Jesuit High School in Carmichael, averaged 7.8 points and 3.4 rebounds per game across 32 contests for the Cardinal last year. The smooth-shooting, 6-foot-7 guard is the son of 13-year NBA veteran Peja Stojakovic.
5. Experienced Group Though Cal's 2024-25 roster is a nearly brand-new cast from a season ago, the locker room is filled with experienced collegiate players. Cal ranks sixth among ACC teams in career Division I minutes played (14,876) entering the season. Including Sissoko and Blacksher – who have played in a combined 244 games – the Bears added seven transfers who have at least two seasons of experience, including Joshua Ola-Joseph (junior, Minnesota), DeJuan (DJ) Campbell (junior, Western Carolina), BJ Omot (junior, North Dakota), Christian Tucker (senior, UTSA) and Rytis Petraitis (junior, Air Force).
HOW TO WATCH Access to ACC Network and ACC Network Extra (ACCNX) is determined by your pay TV provider (cable, satellite, telco or streaming service). Viewers can still access games via a subscription to ESPN+, even without access to ACC Network. Viewers with access to ACCNX can view the streaming channel on the same device (smart TV's, smartphones, tablets, connected streaming devices or espn.com/watch) where they view ACC Network. ESPN+ is a subscription-based streaming channel that can also be viewed on any streaming device.
SUPPORT THE BEARS Tickets for the 2024-25 campaign can be purchased by visiting CalBears.com/Tickets, calling 800-GO-BEARS (462-3277) or emailing goldstandard@berkeley.edu. Fans can support the Golden Bears through the Cal Men's Basketball Excellence Initiative or the California Legends Collective.
STAY POSTED For further coverage of Cal men's basketball, follow the Bears on X (@CalMBBall), Instagram (@CalMBBball) and Facebook (/CalMBBall/).
Bakersfield, CA – Suspected DUI Crash on Highway 46 Kills Male Pedestrian
Police Accident Reports (888) 657-1460https://localaccidentreports.com/bakersfield-ca-suspected-dui-crash-on-highway-46-kills-male-pedestrian/
Bakersfield, CA (October 30, 2024) – A tragic accident occurred on Saturday evening, October 27 resulting in the death of a pedestrian from Santa Maria due to a suspected DUI crash on Highway 46. The incident took place at approximately 8:41 p.m. near Kecks Road.According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), the pedestrian, a male resident of Santa Maria, was walking close to the eastbound number one lane of Highway 46 when the collision occurred. At the same time, a 52-year-old man from Bakersfield was drivi...
Bakersfield, CA (October 30, 2024) – A tragic accident occurred on Saturday evening, October 27 resulting in the death of a pedestrian from Santa Maria due to a suspected DUI crash on Highway 46. The incident took place at approximately 8:41 p.m. near Kecks Road.
According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), the pedestrian, a male resident of Santa Maria, was walking close to the eastbound number one lane of Highway 46 when the collision occurred. At the same time, a 52-year-old man from Bakersfield was driving eastbound in a 2014 silver Lincoln Navigator.
Preliminary findings indicate that, for reasons still under investigation, the pedestrian entered the lane directly in front of the approaching vehicle, leading to an unavoidable collision. Tragically, the pedestrian succumbed to his injuries at the scene, while the driver and passengers in the Lincoln Navigator were reported to be unhurt.
Authorities have stated that alcohol or drug impairment may have played a role in this incident, and the investigation is ongoing as they seek to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the crash.
Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the victim during this incredibly difficult time.
Pedestrian Accidents in California
Pedestrian accidents are a significant concern throughout California, with many incidents leading to serious injuries or fatalities each year. According to state statistics, pedestrians are particularly vulnerable on the road, and collisions involving vehicles can have devastating consequences.
In California, it is crucial for both drivers and pedestrians to remain vigilant. Drivers are encouraged to be aware of their surroundings, especially in areas where pedestrians are present. Pedestrians should always use designated crosswalks and exercise caution when navigating roadways, particularly near busy intersections and highways.
If you or someone you know has been affected by a pedestrian accident, it is essential to seek legal guidance to understand your rights and options for pursuing compensation for any injuries or losses sustained. Consulting with a knowledgeable personal injury attorney can help ensure that you receive the support you need during this challenging time.
Local Accident Reports is your trusted resource for post-accident support. We’ve compiled essential information and resources for accident victims like you. Our comprehensive database provides key details and support options for those affected by accidents. We’re here to support your recovery process with valuable resources and information. Contact us today to learn how we can assist in your recovery journey.
CSUB Set to Open Season with Pair of Duals at Stanford
California State University at Bakersfield Athleticshttps://gorunners.com/news/2024/10/30/wrestling-csub-wrestling-team-set-to-open-season-with-pair-of-duals-at-stanford.aspx
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. -- In more than 50 years of wrestling, Cal State Bakersfield has a rich history, winning two NCAA Division II titles and producing 45 Division I All-Americans, a list highlighted by two-time national champion and Dan Hodge Trophy winner Stephen Neal. CSUB's third-place finish in the 1996 D-I nationals is still the highest finish by a college from California.After a few lean years coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Roadrunners and sixth-year coach ...
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. -- In more than 50 years of wrestling, Cal State Bakersfield has a rich history, winning two NCAA Division II titles and producing 45 Division I All-Americans, a list highlighted by two-time national champion and Dan Hodge Trophy winner Stephen Neal. CSUB's third-place finish in the 1996 D-I nationals is still the highest finish by a college from California.
After a few lean years coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Roadrunners and sixth-year coach Luke Smith are confident they have a squad that can compete at the highest level — not only this year — but for the foreseeable future.
"I think the future is bright," said Smith, whose squad opens the season with a pair of duals at Stanford on Friday, first against Utah Valley at 3 p.m., and then against the nationally-ranked Cardinal at 7. "I think these guys have an opportunity to do some special things this year."
CSUB will rely on a deep squad, enhanced by the addition of a pair of transfers, AJ Ferrari from Oklahoma State and Gerrit Nijenhuis from Oklahoma.
Ferrari, a redshirt sophomore, captured the national championship at 197 pounds as a true freshman for the Cowboys in 2021. He was 10-0 and the concensus #1 wrestler in the country to start the 2021-22 season before being injured in an automobile accident.
"He is so unbelievably disciplined with his diet and training, and he does all these little things," said Smith of Ferrari. "He's very detail oriented on some of those preparation things. And he's, he's very excited to go back out there."
This weekend's matches will be Ferrari's first official in nearly three years, a layoff that has some interested to see if the Texas native can return to form, according to Smith.
"I think a lot of people are still wondering whether he is still that guy, and wanting to see what version of him that he's going to be," Smith said. "But I think that's a lot of motivation for him. He loves to wrestle, he loves to compete, and he's very excited for the opportunity to go out and show that he still is that guy. And we're excited for him."
Smith has been impressed with the 197 pounder during his preseason workouts and is looking forward to seeing Ferrari's return to the mat.
"He's an extremely rare type of athlete, especially for his size, but he also has toughness and grit," said Smith of Ferrari, who is ranked the No. 12 pound-for-pound wrestler in the country by FloWrestling, which also ranks him No. 4 in the 197 pound weight class. InterMat ranked Ferrari No. 1 at 197. "Sometimes, those guys who are good athletes, things come easy for them, when things get hard, they kind of will fold where, you know, the year he won NCAA, he won a lot of matches where they weren't the prettiest wins, but he just out-fought the other guy."
There are also high expectations for Nijenhuis, a three-time national qualifier. He qualified at 165 and 174 pounds at Purdue and then again at 165 in 2022-23 at Oklahoma State. He wrestled at 174 last season for the Sooners, and is expected to do the same this season for the `Runners.
"Garrett is a great technician," Smith said. "He's very good technically. He's really good on top, and one of the most talented wrestlers I've seen as far as his straight ability. We just need to get him more consistent with some things and I think he can do really well this year, too."
Smith expects the tandem of Ferrari and Nijenhuis to have a positive effect on his returners this season.
"I think it's very important to have guys that have been there, they've done it and they've had that success," Smith said. "So I think it's good for some of our guys around their weights to feel that and be able to test themselves with those guys. And it's even good for some of our younger guys, to watch them and see what they do technically, and even pick up some other habits that will help them try to get to the start, to get to the level of success that they had as well."
Seven consistent starters returned from last season's lineup, giving CSUB a battle-tested lineup: Richard Castro-Sandoval (125), Santino Sanchez (133), Brock Rogers (149), Devyn Flores-Che (157), Guillermo Escobedo (165), Braden Smelser (184) and Jake Andrews (HWT). FloWrestling ranks the Roadrunners No. 27 as a team, while InterMat has the Roadrunners at No. 22.
"There's definitely potential there," Smith said. "We are definitely capable of winning a national title, but there's a lot of time from now to March, so that's where we're just kind of taking it opportunity by opportunity, and trying to learn and improve, to keep working, to get to get better for March."
In addition to the returning starters, Smith believes senior Romeo McNeal (133), redshirt freshman Haydin Zinkin (141) and freshmen Evan Manzo (165), Jaxtyn Frost (141) and Josiah Sandoval (125/233) could also make an impact.
It all starts this weekend, giving Smith an opportunity to get a better look at his squad against other competition.
"It's going to be a tough one out of the gate," Smith said. "Stanford is pretty solid, up and down the lineup, and Utah Valley made good additions to their program, as well. They have a new coach and have some good transfers coming in so they're going to be a much-improved team."
CSUB will follow up the duals at Stanford with the Menlo Open in Atherton on Saturday. Bakersfield's first home match comes later in the month when they host the Roadrunner Open on Nov. 24.
"So I think that's the big thing early in the season is you're not trying to look too far ahead," Smith said. "Just kind of being in the moment and trying to get a little bit better every day and keep putting out the best version of ourselves. We're not focusing on whether they win or they lose, just looking for constant improvement and getting better."
~GoRunners.com~
Disclaimer:
