Darrion Caldwell (Photo/NC State)
In an early September article on Darrion Caldwell, we asked, "To redshirt or not to redshirt -- that is the question for Darrion Caldwell."
True to the promise made by North Carolina State nearly a month ago to have an answer in late September or early October, a decision has been made... and Caldwell will reshirt for the upcoming season. The reason why may be a bit of a surprise.
According to a press release issued by NC State Friday afternoon, the defending NCAA Division I champ at 149 pounds will undergo shoulder surgery on October 5 and miss the entire 2009-10 season.
The press release goes on to say, "Caldwell, a rising senior, will have one year of eligibility remaining after the 2009-10 season and will return to action with the Wolfpack wrestling team in 2010-11."
Caldwell won the NCAA 149 title in stunning fashion, upsetting defending champ Brent Metcalf of the University of Iowa. The Wolfpack wrestler also claimed Outstanding Wrestler honors at last March's national championships. It was a great conclusion to a successful season in which the New Jersey native went 38-1, his only loss due to an injury default. He followed that by earning a spot on the U.S. National Team in June and wrestled at the Heydar Golden Grand Prix at Azerbaijan in July.
With one season remaining, Caldwell currently ranks third in NC State history in career wins, falls and won-lost percentage. He is NC State's first multiple All-American since 1992-93 and its first national champion since 1993. After three seasons for the Wolfpack, Caldwell has a 94-12 record with 50 pins. He ranks third in career victories, third in career won-lost percentage (.887) and third in career pins.
Resources
Darrion Caldwell official website
College Wrestling Examiner September 2 article on Darrion Caldwell
Early September Darrion Caldwell interview at InterMat Platinum
Follow College Wrestling Examiner Mark Palmer on Twitter
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