Nestor Taffur began his tenure as a volunteer assistant coach for the Columbia wrestling program prior to the 2018-19 season.
"More than Nestor's extensive wrestling background and accolades, it's his temperament and style of communication that make him so inspiring as a coach," said Tanelli. "He adds tremendous value to the program and is an ideal addition to the Columbia wrestling family and the culture we are continuing to build here."
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A former standout on the mats at Boston University, Taffur has also impressed in his post-collegiate career.
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In the 74KG (163 pounds) weight class, Taffur was a member of the 2017 and 2018 World Team while wrestling for his native Colombia. He won three consecutive national titles in his home country from 2016-18, and in 2018 earned bronze medals at the Pan Am Championships, the Central American Games, and the Cerro Pelado competition. Taffur was a silver medalist during the 2017 Pan Am Games, and also picked up All-American honors during the 2015 U.S. Open.
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During his collegiate career, Taffur twice qualified for the NCAA Championships. The 157-pounder earned an EIWA Title in 2014, a CAA Championship in 2013, and graduated from BU as the program's winningest wrestler with 119 victories. In his senior season, Taffur went 37-4 and was ranked as high as No. 4 at 157.
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In the coaching arena, Taffur helped out Franklin & Marshall as an assistant coach during the 2014-15 season.
