April 24, 2006

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. - After winnings its second consecutive Atlantic Coast Conference title and sending six individuals to the 2006 NCAA Championships, the University of North Carolina wrestling team recently took time to look back at the 2005-06 season and hand out its annual year-end awards.

Those honored include redshirt freshmen NCAA qualifiers Vincent Ramirez, winner of the Benjamin Soloman Outstanding Freshman Award and Jared Royer, winner of the Johnson Harris Most Improved Wrestler Award.

Freshman Dan Carleton claimed the Sam Barnes Award for contribution by a walk-on and junior Deon Barrett was the recipient of the David Jay Award for his outstanding leadership and work ethic.

Additionally, junior Bobby Shaw and freshman Hardwick Caldwell were honored for their work off the mat. Shaw received the Kehaya Award for leadership, academics and outside activities, while Caldwell won the Frank Stritter Academic Improvement Award.

The Tar Heels should be in the mix to retain their ACC title next season as nine of 10 starters from the conference championships return next season. All six team award winners are also slated to return for 2006-07.