Columbia Wrestler Cesar Alvan Takes 3rd at NCAA Championship

Columbia University's wrestling team just proved that Ivy League athletes can compete with the nation's best, sending seven wrestlers to the NCAA Championships and bringing home an All-American honor.

Senior Cesar Alvan dominated the 165-pound weight class in Cleveland, finishing third overall and earning the prestigious All-American title. He tied the highest finish in Columbia wrestling history, matching a record set by Steve Santos.

Alvan came ready to compete from his first match, defeating Southern Illinois University's Brock Woodcock by 10 points. He then delivered a dramatic pin against Oklahoma State's LaDarion Lockett in the final seconds of overtime, showing the mental toughness that defines champions.

His path to the podium included a crucial semifinal match against Penn State's Mitchell Mesenbrink, who went on to win the entire championship. After that loss, Alvan bounced back in the consolation bracket, defeating Minnesota's Andrew Sparks and then beating Arizona State's Nicco Ruiz for the second time in the tournament.

In that final match for third place, Alvan took control immediately with a takedown in the first 30 seconds. He never let up, dominating the majority of the match to secure his historic finish.

The seven Lions who qualified for nationals showed heart throughout the tournament. Senior Kai Owen won three matches including a pin victory in under three minutes against Harvard's Jimmy Harrington. Junior Sulayman Bah bounced back from an opening loss with a commanding 17-4 victory.

The Ripple Effect

Columbia's success extends beyond individual achievements. Head coach Donny Pritzlaff was just named NCAA Division I men's national coach of the year after leading the team to an undefeated season and their first Ivy League championship.

The Lions sent their largest group of NCAA qualifiers in program history, signaling a complete turnaround for a program that's building momentum. With most of the team returning next season, including several juniors who gained valuable championship experience, Columbia is positioned to send even more wrestlers to nationals in 2027.

For a university known more for academics than athletics, these seven wrestlers proved that dedication and great coaching can level any playing field.