By By Tim Robertson

A LION’S RETURN

A missing member of the Columbia wrestling team is back after a two-year sabbatical. Dustin Tillman, at 165 pounds, took time to go on a Mormon Mission in Dallas, Tex. He has a lifetime record of 34-22 in his first two years wrestling for the Lions at 157 pounds and is predicted to be one of the Lions top wrestlers by coach Brendan Buckley. Dustin is also the cousin of former Arizona Cardinal Pat Tillman, who quit football to join the U.S. Army Rangers, only to lose his life in Afghanistan.

FORMIDABLE FOE

No matter who wrestles for the Pride will have its hands full at 133 pounds this weekend against Harvard, as junior Robbie Preston will give the Pride all it can handle. Preston finished first at the East Stroudsburg Open at 133, beating six opponents-one in a pin, another in a technical fall and another in a major decision, before beating hometown favorite Nate Nauroth of East Stroudsburg in the title match.

TEARING IT UP

Mike Patrovich will enter the weekend at a team best 12-1, with the one loss coming in the finals of the Cliff Keen Invitational last Saturday. Patrovich has three major decisions, four technical falls and a pin to go along with his four decisions. Prior to the Keen Invitational, Patrovich was ranked seventh at 174 pounds, according to a USA Today poll. After his strong showing in Las Vegas, Patrovich should move up in the rankings. He will take on Harvard’s Joseph Bechtold on Sunday in a non-conference dual meet. His Columbia opponent has yet to be determined.

BREAKING UP

After the Columbia and Harvard dual meets on Sunday, the Pride will enjoy a three-week break from competition. However, the team will not be eased back into the routine as its first match back will be against Big Ten giant Michigan, currently third in the Nov. 28 USA Today Poll. The Wolverines also took home the team title in Las Vegas last weekend. The following weekend also holds to be pivotal, as the Pride will take on West Virginia University (WVU).