NEW YORK — Following the 2022-23 season, Columbia Wrestling honored the 120th squad in the history of the "Nation's Oldest Program" by handing out postseason awards during the team banquet.
Six awards were given out by the Columbia coaching staff, which ranged from top academic wrestler to most improved as Columbia's success on the mat were celebrated by the squad.
NICK SZERLIP ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE AWARD – Nick Babin, Jr., 125 Pounds
The Nick Szerlip Academic Excellence Award is named after 1995 graduate, Nick Szerlip, who was not only a 3-time Team Captain, EIWA Champion, and Ivy League Wrestler of the Year, but was also just as successful in the classroom. As an undergraduate, Szerlip conducted research in the Department of Psychology at Barnard and served as a teaching assistant his senior year in psychology. Upon graduation, Szerlip remained at Columbia as a research assistant through 1998 before attending medical school and now works as a Clinical Associate Professor in Neurological Surgery at the University of Michigan. The award goes to the upperclassmen on the team who holds the highest cumulative GPA in conjunction with their commitment to the wrestling program.
STEVE HASENFUS MOST IMPROVED WRESTLER – Lennox Wolak, Jr., 174 Pounds
A two-time captain of Columbia's wrestling program, Steve Hasenfus was named the Ivy League Wrestler of the Year in 1989 after garnering first-team All-Ivy League honors in 1987 and 1988. He is one of only two Columbia wrestlers to be honored with the Ivy League's top honor in the Nation's Oldest Program's illustrious history. Hasenfus was also a two-time EIWA finalist and champion in 1989. The Steve Hasenfus Most Improved Wrestler Award is given to the member of the team who exhibits the greatest growth from the beginning to the end of a season, seasons or career.
BOB DICKSTEIN MEMORIAL AWARD – Billy McChesney, FY, 285 Pounds
Bob Dickstein was an instrumental member of Columbia Wrestling's first Ivy-League Championship Team in 1961. The "Teaneck Terror" went on to become the Freshmen Wrestling Coach at Columbia and has been an avid supporter and staple within the program, since graduating in 1962. Bob passed away in April 2020 and the award is given annually in his memory. It is given to the member of the team who best embodies Bob's joy for living and adventure of spirit. It is offered to whomever has made the greatest contribution in terms of inspirational leadership, sportsmanship and college loyalty.
BOB HARTMAN HEART OF A LION AWARD – Angelo Rini, Jr., 133 Pounds
This award is given annually to the member of the team who most embodies the essence of what it means to be a wrestler. It aims to recognize more than wins and championships, but instead something less tangible – heart. It is earned by whomever exemplifies the most courage, selflessness and warrior spirit throughout the course of a season or career. The award is named after Bob Hartman, Columbia Wrestling's first All-American in 1951 and Columbia Athletics Hall of Fame member.
RON RUSSO MOST DEDICATED WRESTLER AWARD – Joshua Ogunsanya, Jr., 165 Pounds
Ron Russo led Columbia to three Ivy League titles while overseeing two All-Americans, five New York State Champions, and 92 All-Ivy League performers. Russo is the all-time winningest coach in Columbia wrestling history, as the Lions racked up 133 wins during his 18-year tenure. A Columbia Athletics Hall of Fame Coach, this award represents Ron's grit, competitiveness and dedication to be the very best for himself, his team and Columbia University.
NAT PENDELTON MOST OUTSTANDING WRESTLER AWARD – Nick Babin, Jr., 125 Pounds
Nat Pendelton won back-to-back EIWA Championships in 1914 and 1915. After graduating in 1916, he continued his wrestling career and went on to win the National AAU Wrestling Championship for the New York Athletic Club. In 1920 he represented the United States of America in Antwerp, Belgium at the 1920 Olympic Games where Pendleton won a silver medal. A feat that no Columbia wrestler has achieved since. The Most Outstanding Wrestler Award is named in Nat Pendleton's honor.
FOLLOWING THE LIONS
Stay up to date on all things Columbia Wrestling by following the Lions on Twitter (@CULionsWR), Instagram (@culionswr) and on Facebook (@ColumbiaAthletics).
