LAS VEGAS - Eren Civan and Kevin Lester both placed seventh at the prestigious Cliff Keen Las Vegas Wrestling Invitational on Sunday, December 4.  The two-day tournament featured many of the top wrestlers in the country from 32 different schools.

After going 3-1 in action on day one of the tournament, Civan won his first bout of the day in a thrilling 2-1 sudden victory win over Conrad Olz of Illinois. His next bout would once again go to overtime, but unfortunately this time it was his opponent, Joe Booth of Drexel, that pulled out a 3-1 sudden victory win. Civan ultimately placed seventh at 165 pounds when Dan Yates of Michigan had to medical forfeit the final match.

Like his teammate, Lester also won his opening match of the day.  The heavyweight had a solid 5-3 win over Arizona State's Levi Cooper. Lester dropped his next match to #13 Eric Bugenhagen, but bounced back to win a tight battle against David Morgan of Cal State Bakersfield.  Lester upset Morgan, who is currently ranked #18 in country, 3-2 to claim seventh place and pick up his second win against a ranked opponent at the tournament.

Columbia (2-3) will take a short break for exams before returning to action in 2011.  The Lions will travel to West Point, N.Y. on Friday, January 7 for a dual against Army at 7 p.m.