NEW YORK – Coming off an exciting 18-16 win over No. 29 Maryland on Sunday, the Columbia wrestling team earned its first national ranking since 2007 when the Lions spent four weeks in the NWCA Division I Wrestling Coaches Poll. The Lions came in at No. 29 in this week's Intermat dual meet rankings.
 
The Lions capped off the dual season with back-to-back wins over Brown and No. 29 Maryland to finish the dual season with a 6-7 overall record and a 5-3 mark in EIWA duals. Columbia completed one of the toughest dual schedules in the country as the Lions faced eight ranked opponents throughout the season. Columbia posted wins in two of those contests - both at home over No. 21 Lehigh and No. 29 Maryland.
 
"The past few years have been filled with firsts for our program," Andrew F. Barth Head Coach of Wrestling Zach Tanelli said. "It takes far more than 10 starters to earn the distinction of being a nationally ranked team and I am proud of each student-athlete that contributed to making this happen."
 
Sunday was senior day, and six seniors were recognized before the start of the match. Danny Conley, Danny Fongaro, Gunnar Fuss, Matt Kazimir, Chimenum Tasie-Amadi, and Sam Wustefeld stood before the crowd in Levien Gym for one last time as they were honored for their accomplishments during their time at Columbia.
 
"I am especially grateful for our seniors," Tanelli said. "They created a winning culture for others to follow and were pioneers when choosing to join our family at Columbia. They are the foundation that this team has been built on and they deserve to carry that with them for all their hard work."
 
In addition to the team ranking, five individuals were highlighted in this week's Intermat rankings. Nick Babin (125) was listed at No. 30, Kazimir (141) came in at No. 22, Cesar Alvan (157) was No. 23, Joshua Ogunsanya (165) was listed as No. 15, and Lennox Wolak (174) was No. 30. This group of Lions has remained steady in the rankings over the past few months. Fongaro also spent time in the rankings.
 
With the regular season complete, preparation is underway for the EIWA Championships. The Lions will travel to Philadelphia to compete on March 4 and 5. Advancing individuals will then head to the NCAA Championships in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
 
"Every day, this team is raising the standard and redefining what it means to wrestle for Columbia University," Tanelli said. "Our team earned it and we will be looking to use this momentum as we make our final preparations for the EIWA and NCAA Tournaments."