BETHLEHEM, Pa. – Sophomore Kai Owen was recognized as the EIWA Wrestler of the Week after defeating No. 6 Cael Happel in Columbia's dual match victory against No. 19 Northern Iowa on Sunday.
 
Owen wrestled in both dual matches for the Lions this weekend at No. 4 Iowa and No. 19 UNI. He was put to the test as he faced Iowa's No. 1 ranked Real Woods in the dual match Friday before meeting No. 6 Happel on Sunday. Owen opened the weekend with a loss via tech fall (3:00) to Woods as Columbia lost the dual match at Iowa.
 
Owen and the Lions rebounded in a big way Sunday at Northern Iowa. Owen trailed Happel, 4-0, in the first period before scoring an escape point. Owen followed that up with a takedown right to a nearside cradle that turned Happel on his back. Happel worked his way to the out of bounds area in an attempt to reset, but Owen held on to secure the pin at the 2:54 mark. With the upset win Owen moves to 5-5 for the season at 141.
 
The Owen pin sparked the Columbia lineup as the Lions secured two more wins via fall in the next three bouts. Richard Fedalen (149) and Kyle Mosher (165) earned wins via fall. Columbia used the impressive performance to cap off a 28-21 road victory against No. 19 UNI for the first dual win of the season.
 
The Lions have a break before returning to action at the Soldier Salute in Coralville, Iowa. Competition starts Friday, December 29 and wraps up Saturday, December 30.
 
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