NC State's Darrion Caldwell
In 2007, Darrion Caldwell quietly was named both the ACC's Wrestler of the Year and Rookie of the Year while on his way to a conference championship at 141 LBS. Not so quiet was Darrion's performance at his first NCAA tournament. Caldwell needed only 28 seconds to pin the ninth seeded Kenny Hashimoto in the first round, and then was beating two-time All-American Andy Simmons in the second round before Simmons defaulted. The two victories set the stage for a classic match against the eventual runner-up Ryan Lang. Darrion put Lang on his back twice, before Lang pinned Darrion, all in only 1 minute and 40 seconds. This past weekend Caldwell made college wrestling fans take notice again pinning Iowa's Brent Metcalf (Ranked #4 byD1CW) in the first period. This week Darrion talked to D1CW about the Metcalf match and more......
D1CW: You just had a huge win this weekend over Iowa’s Brent Metcalf, pinning him in a spladle. Was this a plan or something spontaneous?
Darrion Caldwell: Oh it was spontaneous. I just saw the opportunity and took it. But the spladle is something I used a couple of times in matches. Actually, I used it last weekend in the ACC/Big 10 match against Jake Patacsil.
D1CW: What does a win like that do to your confidence?
DC: Mainly I just want to stay humble. I know that 149 is a very tough weight class. Anyone can win it. After this weekend, I just need to stay focused and not get a big head. I’ve still got a lot of work to do to get where I need to be at the end of the year. But, yes it is a very big win.
D1CW: Describe your style of wrestling for people that have never seen you before…
DC: It’s hard to describe, but one word would be entertaining. I would say I’m an entertaining wrestler. I’m not even sure what I’m going to do going into a match. I just have in my mind that I want to win.
D1CW: This year you moved up to 141 from 149, have you noticed much of a difference at your new weight class?
DC: Not really. Guys seem to move at the same speed here too. Guys are a bit stronger, but I think you’ll always run into guys who are stronger at any weight class.
D1CW: 149 is a very tough weight class this year, is there anyone you are looking forward to facing?
DC: I like getting to see some of the guys who have beat me in the past. JP O’Connor and Lance Palmer beat me years ago. I'd like to get a shot at them.
D1CW: At last year’s NCAA Quarter-Finals, you faced the undefeated number one seed, Ryan Lang. What were your thoughts entering into this match?
DC: Well, I knew that I had nothing to lose. He beat me earlier in the season. Going into that match I wanted to change things up and be more aggressive. I wasn’t looking for big moves they just were there for me. That’s something that I know people think about me, “He always looks for big moves”. I really don’t.
D1CW: Coming out of high school, why did you choose NC State?
DC: First was for the education, then the wrestling program. As far as wrestling goes, the coaching staff was a big reason. I knew they would be able to push me to reach my goals. Last season we had Tony Davis, a former national champion. He was around my weight and a great workout partner for me. There were also some great guys around my weight. Joe Caramanica and Kody Hamrah are good guys, as well as good wrestlers.
D1CW: If you are at a wrestling camp, what moves do you like to show the younger wrestlers?
DC: Oh definitely my cradles and spladle.
D1CW: When did you start wrestling and why?
DC: It was in the fifth grade. I was at one of my friend’s houses and we were playing in the backyard. He was a wrestler and I ended up tossing him. His dad told me I should wrestle because I had the build for it. I tried it and I loved it. I’ve loved it ever since. At the time it was good for me to be able to move around and use my energy.
D1CW: Is there anything else you would like to share with D1CW?
DC: I’m always ready to wrestle. I’m really looking forward to March. That’s when it counts. Winning now is great, but you don’t get championships by winning in November and December.