Cesar Alvan Named New Assistant Menโs Wrestling Coach
7/22/2026 12:23:00โฏPM | Men's Wrestling
Alvan remains with the program where he became an All-American
NEW YORK โ Cesar Alvan '26CC has been named the David and Michael Barry Assistant Coach of Men's Wrestling, Andrew F. Barth Head Coach of Men's Wrestling Donny Pritzlaff announced on Wednesday afternoon.
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Alvan, the two-time team captain, returns to Morningside Heights following one of the most accomplished careers in program history. A 2026 NCAA All-American and 2026 Ivy League champion, Alvan earned a third-place finish at the NCAA Championships to become one of Columbia's top national performers. He graduated from Columbia in May 2026 with a bachelor's degree in political science.
"The Columbia Wrestling program is proud to announce Cesar Alvan as our newest assistant coach," Pritzlaff said. "Over the past five years, Cesar has competed for both Columbia and the NYCRTC, carrying out a pivotal role in leading our program to its best finish in school history. We are excited for our student-athletes to continue learning from someone who has walked the same path and knows what it takes to reach the NCAA podium. Cesar embodies the character, work ethic, and leadership that define a great coach. His experience, mentorship, and commitment to developing young athletes will have a lasting impact on every student-athlete who joins the Columbia Wrestling program."
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Throughout his wrestling career, Alvan has demonstrated success at both the collegiate and international levels. In addition to his NCAA All-America honor - the seventh in program history- he captured the 2026 Ivy League title and has represented Brazil internationally as a Senior World Team member. His international accomplishments also include winning the South American Open championship and earning bronze medals at two Pan American Championships.
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Alvan already brings coaching experience to the Columbia staff. Since 2020, he has served as a wrestling coach and clinic director, mentoring youth and high school athletes through camps and clinics, including with Metrowest Wrestling Club. He has designed training curricula based on NCAA Division I techniques while delivering motivational instruction centered on discipline, consistency and championship habits.
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In addition to his wrestling coaching experience, Alvan has worked as a martial arts instructor, teaching Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and wrestling to students of all ages while developing individualized instruction plans and fostering a positive learning environment. He has also served as a business developer for Team Link LLC, where he gained experience in communication, relationship building and organizational leadership.
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"There's no place I'd rather start my coaching career than right here at Columbia," Alvan said. "This program gave me everything, and now I get to pour that same energy back into the guys alongside a coaching staff I respect so much. This is a dream start to the next chapter of my life, and it's an honor to give back."
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A native of Ludlow, Massachusetts, Alvan was a standout wrestler at Northfield Mount Hermon and Springfield Central High School before beginning his collegiate career at Columbia. He was a two-time high school All-American, two-time New England champion and amassed more than 200 career victories.
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FOLLOWING THE LIONS
Stay up to date on all things Columbia Wrestling by following the Lions on X (@CULionsWR), Instagram (@culionswr) and on Facebook (@ColumbiaAthletics).
โ
Alvan, the two-time team captain, returns to Morningside Heights following one of the most accomplished careers in program history. A 2026 NCAA All-American and 2026 Ivy League champion, Alvan earned a third-place finish at the NCAA Championships to become one of Columbia's top national performers. He graduated from Columbia in May 2026 with a bachelor's degree in political science.
"The Columbia Wrestling program is proud to announce Cesar Alvan as our newest assistant coach," Pritzlaff said. "Over the past five years, Cesar has competed for both Columbia and the NYCRTC, carrying out a pivotal role in leading our program to its best finish in school history. We are excited for our student-athletes to continue learning from someone who has walked the same path and knows what it takes to reach the NCAA podium. Cesar embodies the character, work ethic, and leadership that define a great coach. His experience, mentorship, and commitment to developing young athletes will have a lasting impact on every student-athlete who joins the Columbia Wrestling program."
โ
Throughout his wrestling career, Alvan has demonstrated success at both the collegiate and international levels. In addition to his NCAA All-America honor - the seventh in program history- he captured the 2026 Ivy League title and has represented Brazil internationally as a Senior World Team member. His international accomplishments also include winning the South American Open championship and earning bronze medals at two Pan American Championships.
โ
Alvan already brings coaching experience to the Columbia staff. Since 2020, he has served as a wrestling coach and clinic director, mentoring youth and high school athletes through camps and clinics, including with Metrowest Wrestling Club. He has designed training curricula based on NCAA Division I techniques while delivering motivational instruction centered on discipline, consistency and championship habits.
โ
In addition to his wrestling coaching experience, Alvan has worked as a martial arts instructor, teaching Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and wrestling to students of all ages while developing individualized instruction plans and fostering a positive learning environment. He has also served as a business developer for Team Link LLC, where he gained experience in communication, relationship building and organizational leadership.
โ
"There's no place I'd rather start my coaching career than right here at Columbia," Alvan said. "This program gave me everything, and now I get to pour that same energy back into the guys alongside a coaching staff I respect so much. This is a dream start to the next chapter of my life, and it's an honor to give back."
โ
A native of Ludlow, Massachusetts, Alvan was a standout wrestler at Northfield Mount Hermon and Springfield Central High School before beginning his collegiate career at Columbia. He was a two-time high school All-American, two-time New England champion and amassed more than 200 career victories.
โ
FOLLOWING THE LIONS
Stay up to date on all things Columbia Wrestling by following the Lions on X (@CULionsWR), Instagram (@culionswr) and on Facebook (@ColumbiaAthletics).
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