Dec. 9, 2008

GREENSBORO, N.C. - NC State 149-pound junior Darrion Caldwell has been named the Atlantic Coast Conference Wrestler of the Week for the second time this season following a standout performance in last weekend's Cliff Keen Las Vegas Invitational.

The third-ranked Caldwell placed first in his weight class in the event for the second consecutive year with five wins, including victories over fellow nationally-ranked wrestlers in the semifinals and finals. Caldwell scored a 4-1 decision over 14th-ranked Cesar Grajales of Penn in the semis, then clinched the title by pinning fourth-ranked Lance Palmer of Ohio State in just 1:05.

Caldwell's other Vegas victories included a pin of Indiana's Nick Walpole (in 28 seconds), a 20-5 technical-fall win over Vincente Varela of Arizona State and a 7-2 decision over Lehigh's Trevor Chinn.

Due in large measure to Caldwell's dominating performance, NC State finished 22nd in the crowded tournament field despite fielding a lineup with just six wrestlers.

A native of Rahway, N.J., Caldwell is now 15-0 for the season with six pins. He is 5-0 against ranked opponents, including a 3-0 mark vs. wrestlers in national top 10. Caldwell and Virginia's Chris Henrich were named ACC Co-Wrestlers of the Week on Nov. 18.

As a team, NC State will now be idle until Dec. 29-30, when it will compete in the Southern Scuffle at the Greensboro (N.C.) Coliseum.