Columbia University-Barnard College New York, NY
Roman Fleszar Joins Columbia Coaching Staff
NEW YORK - Two-time All-American Roman Fleszar has joined the Columbia wrestling coaching staff, head coach Brendan Buckley announced today.
"We are very excited to have Roman Fleszar joining our staff," said Buckley, the Andrew F. Barth Head Coach of Wrestling. "He grew up not too far from Columbia where he won two state titles for Kittatinny High School in New Jersey before he went on to be a two-time NCAA All-American at Hofstra University. We feel Roman has a tremendous amount of knowledge to share with the team."
Wrestling at 133 pounds, the Newton, N.J., native was a two-time All-American, placing seventh as a junior and fifth as a senior for the Pride. He was also a three-time East Coast Wrestling Association conference champion.
Fleszar arrives to Morningside Heights after coaching at Centenary College for one season. Prior to his stint with the Cyclones, Fleszar worked closely with the Stillwater-Fredon Youth Wrestling Club where he built and aligned a youth program focusing on training and technique.
"Roman will serve as a terrific role model and mentor for the young men on our team. We know he will have an immediate impact on our program and are eager for him to begin work immediately," added Buckley.
In addition to his two state titles at Kittatinny, Fleszar was a three-time state finalist and Beast of the East Champion as a senior.
A 2001 graduate of Hofstra, Fleszar majored in video/television with a minor in art history.
Columbia Class of 2013 Ranks in Top 25
NEW YORK ˆ Head coach Brendan Buckley has announced that a talented group of eight newcomers will take to the mat for the Lions next fall. This class was ranked #23 in the country by WIN Magazine as Columbia was one of two Ivy League schools to make the Top-25 rankings.
"The class of 2013 comes to us with an amazing amount of potential, said Buckley, the Andrew F. Barth Head Coach of Wrestling.
„Considered one of the top 25 recruiting classes in the country, we believe this class is much better than it looks on paper. They bring a wealth of success, but more importantly have the work ethic, drive and mentality that it takes to be successful at this level. We expect this group of young wrestlers to come in and have an immediate impact on our team in both training and in competition."
The eight student-athletes hail from six different states including a pair from New Jersey and California.
The class of 2013 is listed below with a statement on each incoming student-athlete from Coach Buckley:
Ryan Doyle ˆ Clemmons, N.C. ˆ Forsyth Country Day School (141)
"Ryan is a wrestler who is committed year-round. He is a true student of the sport, competing in all three styles of wrestling throughout his career. A highly successful student and wrestler, he will add depth at 141 pounds."
Robert Dyar ˆ Birmingham, Ala. ˆ Vestavia Hills (125)
"Robert, a member of the Asics Dream Team as well as a participant in the "Dapper Dan Classic," has been among the best in the nation in every style of wrestling. His level of dedication to the sport and his drive to be successful will be a valuable asset to the team."
Chris Manna ˆ Franklin Lakes, N.J. ˆ Blair Academy (Hwt.)
"After a successful high school career, Chris spent this past year training with the best high school team in the country as a post-graduate. A highly touted football recruit, Chris has decided to commit himself to wrestling in college and will bring tremendous depth at heavyweight."
Nick Mills ˆ South Euclid, Ohio ˆ University School (184)
"Nick comes to us from Ohio having wrestled in some of the toughest competitions in the country. He is an outstanding athlete and he will be an immediate factor at 184 pounds this year. We are looking for big things from him.
Jake O'Hara ˆ Mountaintop, Pa. ˆ Crestwood (141)
"Wrestling in arguably the toughest weight class in any state tournament this past season, Jake comes to us as one of the most underrated wrestlers in the country. A highly technical wrestler and battle-tested competitor, we have high expectations for Jake in the coming years."
Steve Santos ˆ Brick, N.J. ˆ Brick Memorial (149)
"Steve made his mark in New Jersey by going undefeated this season as well as winning a state title in dominant fashion. An intense wrestler with a huge gas tank, Steve will push himself and the team to work harder every day. The sky is the limit for Steve and we are excited to have him in the wrestling room."
Tyler Sheridan ˆ Concord, Calif. ˆ De La Salle (157)
"Another incoming freshman who is a year-round wrestler, Tyler brings a wealth of experience in all three styles of wrestling. He is a tough competitor and has the potential to be a highly successful collegiate wrestler. We expect Tyler to challenge for a spot at 157 pounds."
Stephen West ˆ Fresno, Calif. ˆ Buchanan (165)
"Our other California native, Stephen comes to us from Buchanan High School, located in the state‚s most competitive area for wrestling, the central valley. This is also where 2009 EIWA conference champion Ryan Flores went to high school. Highly decorated in both freestyle and folkstyle wrestling, he is expected to challenge at 165 pounds this year. Stephen is a wrestler with the potential to be a highly successful Division I competitor."