Varner donation establishes wrestling scholarship fund

Gift contributes additional $25,000 per year to program’s recruiting budget

By California State University, Bakersfield

May 3^rd, 2021

Lifelong Bakersfield residents, Vernon and Janis Varner have committed $125,000 over five years to CSU Bakersfield athletics. The gift will establish the Vernon & Janis Varner Wrestling Scholarship at CSUB, and aid Roadrunner scholar-athletes in the pursuit of their goals both on the mat and in the classroom.

“We are grateful for what Vernon and Janis Varner have done and continue to do for our Wrestling scholar-athletes at CSUB,” Director of Athletics & AVP for Student Affairs Dr. Kenneth ‘Ziggy’ Siegfried said. “It’s hard to put into words our appreciation for all they have done for the program, our university, and our community. The Varners have given generously for many years and have worked to raise significant funds for CSUB Wrestling. We are forever thankful for their commitment!”

Vernon, a collegiate wrestler himself, at Cal Poly, and Janis, along with the Varner Brother’s Garbage Company are longtime philanthropic pillars of the Bakersfield community.

The couple were instrumental in raising the necessary funds to save CSUB wrestling in 2010 and have contributed significantly, with both time and money, to ensure the program’s continued success. They serve not only as financial supporters, but also as dedicated fans, mentors and friends to `Runner coaches and scholar-athletes.

“Vernon and Janis Varner have been vital to the success of our wrestling program,” said Senior Associate AD for External Relations Karen Langston. “They have assisted in securing community support for our scholar-athletes over the past two decades; this gift is another demonstration of their commitment and love for the CSUB Wrestling program. We are fortunate to have them as part of the Roadrunner Family.”

The Varner Wrestling Scholarship will give Bakersfield another advantage in its continued pursuit of blue-chip wrestling recruits, capable of competing at the highest levels of the Pac-12 Conference and representing CSUB in National and International competition.

Wrestlers attending CSUB on scholarship receive an excellent education through the Cal State University system, while also being exposed to the life skills learned through their sport, including self-discipline, work-ethic and consistency of attitude and effort.

“We are pleased to be able to help support the growth of CSUB Wrestling, and support the coaching staff in their efforts to recruit high-end California talent,” Vernon Varner explained. “Wrestling teaches so many life-skills, and our hope is that scholar-athletes will see Bakersfield as a place where they can excel in sport, academics and learn the lessons needed to set goals, and achieve success, in all aspects of their lives.”

The CSUB Wrestling program boasts 45 NCAA Division I All-Americans, nine National Champions and a streak of sending at least one competitor to the NCAA Championship Meet in each of the past 47 seasons.

Three Roadrunners advanced to the National Tournament in 2021, under interim head coach Luke Smith.

Smith was hired as the permanent head coach for CSUB Wrestling on Apr. 21.

"Our entire program is extremely grateful for this generous contribution towards wrestling scholarships at CSUB," said Smith. "As well as, the Varner's continued support of our student-athletes, and the opportunities they provide them, as competitors, students and young men," said Coach Luke Smith.