NEW YORK -- For the fourth time under Andrew F. Barth Head Coach of Wrestling, Brendan Buckley, the Columbia Lions have welcomed a nationally ranked recruiting class to Morningside Heights.

On July 6, Intermat rated the nine newcomers, which includes high school Freestyle and Greco-Roman state champions, as well as national finalists, 24th in the nation among incoming classes.

In May, WIN (Wrestling International Newsmagazine) ranked the class of first-years 20th in the country, giving Columbia added depth and ability at several weight classes.

In 2006-07, the Lions were ranked nationally for the first time in program history, sent four wrestlers to nationals, had their first-ever two-time All-American in Matt Palmer, placed eight wrestlers at EIWAs, and won the New York State Championship.