Nov. 18, 2008

GREENSBORO, N.C. - NC State's Darrion Caldwell and Virginia's Chris Henrich have been named Atlantic Coast Conference Co-Wrestlers of the Week for their performances in last weekend's ACC-Big Ten Clash at Chapel Hill, N.C.

Caldwell posted three wins in the 149-pound weight class, including an 8-4 decision over 14th-ranked Troy Tirapelle of Illinois. The fourth-ranked Caldwell also won by fall over Michigan State's David Cheza in 1:06 and scored an 8-4 win over Kyle Ruschell of Wisconsin.

Henrich improved to 7-0 on the year with his three wins, including a 13-2 major decision over Michigan State's John Murphy that keyed the Cavaliers to a 23-15 team victory. Henrich also blanked Wisconsin's Mike Felling 7-0 and won a 15-4 decision over Ben Friedl of Illinois.

Virginia travels this Sunday to American International, where it will face the host team in addition to a dual match with Penn State. NC State's next action is set for Saturday, Nov. 29, when the Wolfpack travels to Newberry for a 2 p.m. match. Caldwell won't be waiting that long, however, as he has become the first Wolfpack wrestler in 16 years to earn an invitation to the National Wrestling Coaches Association All-Star Classic.

The NWCA All-Star Classic, presented by the United States Marine Corps, normally pairs the top two college wrestlers in each of the 10 weight classifications. This year's event will be hosted by Ohio State University at St. John Arena on Monday, Nov. 24. Caldwell will face No. 1-ranked Brent Metcalf of Iowa at 149 pounds in what will be the one-year anniversary of their first meeting. Caldwell met Metcalf, then ranked No. 6, last November 24 in a dual match in Lakewood, Ohio. Caldwell stunned Metcalf by pinning him in 1:40.

Metcalf did not lose another match after his loss to Caldwell. He finished the season 35-1 and won the national championship. Caldwell finished fifth in the nation a year ago at 149 to earn All-America honors. He is off to an 8-0 start with three falls, a technical fall, and three victories over ranked opponents. Caldwell is No. 4 in the latest NWCA rankings.

Bouts in the NWCA All-Star Classic are counted as exhibition matches only and will affect neither the national rankings nor postseason seedings.