Columbia Wrestling is led by Head Coach Zach Tanelli, who enters his fifth season in 2020-21. A former Wisconsin All-American and Assistant Coach at both Purdue and Hofstra, Tanelli was named the ninth Andrew F. Barth Head Coach of Wrestling in July 2016. A New Jersey native, Tanelli has already established school-best marks for most EIWA victories in a season (2019-20) and most dual meet wins against NCAA Division I opponents (2018-19). He continues to build a solid foundation for the program. Joining Tanelli on his talented, dedicated and experienced coaching staff are Assistant Coaches Joe Nord, Kyle Massey and Shelton Mack.
Located on the second floor of Dodge Fitness Center, the Andrew F. Barth Wrestling Room has served as the practice home of Columbia’s mat men since 1974. Rich in tradition, with banners flying high throughout the room displaying the historic success of what is known as “The Nation’s Oldest Wrestling Program,” the wrestling room is a proud gem of the Columbia Wrestling program. Situated to the right of the Levien Gymnasium forum and Columbia Athletics Hall of Fame, an up top view overlooking Levien takes up the majority of one wall in the room, the wrestling room houses the team’s locker room and weight room. The location of the room allows for easy access to the University (Blue) Gymnasium where the Lions wrestle their home matches. Andrew F. Barth, ‘83CC, was a member of Columbia's varsity wrestling team from 1979-83 and served as team captain during his senior season (1982-83). Through Barth’s contributions to the wrestling program in 2004, Columbia was able to renovate the room which, in 2008, was renamed, along with the head coaching position, in Barth’s honor.
Located inside Dodge Fitness Center, Columbia’s University Gym, better known as the "Blue Gym" serves as the competition home of the Columbia Wrestling program. With a Mondo rubberized surface, University Gym is a multi-purpose facility that provides 5,000-square feet of competition and practice space.
Centrally located on the third floor of Dodge Fitness Center with convenient access to the Andrew F. Barth Wrestling Room and University Gymnasium are the Columbia Wrestling offices. The offices serve as the day-to-day hub for the Columbia Wrestling program.
THE TANELLI FILE (2016-PRESENT)
- Coached two EIWA champions (23 in program history and the fifth and sixth since 1947
- Coached three four-time NCAA qualifiers
- Two EIWA finalists in 2020
- Most NCAA Division I wins (10) in a season in program history
- Most EIWA wins in a season (eight)
- First Tournament win since 2006
- First-ever win over a Big 12 team
- NWCA Top-30 Academic Team (2017, 2018, 2019, 2020)
- Seven NWCA Academic All-Americans
- Most NWCA Academic All-Americans in a season in program history (four).