Derek Moore -- head wrestling coach

Why did you become a Lancer?

I was recruited by the former head wrestling coach, Lennie Zalesky, to join his staff six years ago. During my visit to campus, I participated in an athletics staff meeting with all the Lancer coaches where they began the meeting with a devotion and ended the meeting with a prayer. I was in awe. I had never experienced an athletics department that truly incorporated faith into the coaching and student experience. I felt strongly called to be part of what was being built here in Riverside.

What is your favorite part about being at CBU?

There is a certain sense of community, respect and support. This is a university that is truly invested in their mission of helping young men and women find and live their purpose in life. The coaches, professors, spiritual leaders and everyone else involved in the mission are working together to support the students.

Who are the most influential people in your career?

I have been mentored by two head coaches in my life, Andy Lausier and Lennie Zalesky. I started my coaching career at Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, Connecticut, after spending six years in the U.S. Army as a field artillery officer. Andy helped guide me through the process of connecting with my athletes rather than treating them like soldiers. Coach Zalesky was my college wrestling coach, so it was special to be able to coach beside him. He helped me understand the power of grace and supporting my student-athletes through their setbacks.

What is your goal for wrestling at CBU?

My vision for CBU wrestling is to develop a nationally elite program that glorifies God through the actions and success of our wrestlers.

What do you want the student-athletes to learn?

My prayer for my guys is that by being part of our program they learn how to chase down their dreams with integrity, how to overcome challenges and use those experiences to support others through their challenges and how to find gratitude in any situation they find themselves.

Your favorite:

Sports memory: It is a tie between winning my NCAA title in 2007 and coaching CBU wrestler Daxton Gordon to his NCAA title in 2018.

Childhood memory: One of my favorite childhood memories is when my parents would take me and my five siblings to my uncle’s ranch in Northern California every Thanksgiving. We would ride horses, play football, play soccer and eat way too much of my aunt’s amazing homemade crescent rolls, which I later found out were Pillsbury.

Food: Sushi

Movie: “Braveheart” or “Gladiator” or “The Bourne Identity”

TV show: Currently "Ted Lasso"

Music: I like country and rock ’n’ roll. Bon Jovi is a go-to.

Hobby: Anything on the water. Wakeboarding, fishing, surfing, boating.