Sophomore Darrion Caldwell may not be even halfway through his college wrestling career yet, but he has had quite a decorated one so far. Caldwell was the first wrestler in ACC history to be named both the Rookie of the Year and Wrestler of the Year at the same time. He took a few minutes to chat with theACC.com about his athletic career.
How did you get involved in wrestling?
I got into it in my fifth grade year. I was tussling with a buddy in the backyard and (a few people) said, "Maybe you should wrestle." I was (also) playing basketball and football at the time, as well as baseball and a little bit of soccer. My seventh grade year was the last year I did basketball and wrestling in the same season, and (then I stuck with) wrestling in my eighth grade year (along with) baseball in the spring and football in the fall. I was a three-sport athlete until my sophomore year.
What is the best advice you've received from a coach?
The best advice I got from a coach was actually this year out in Las Vegas. Coach (Carter Jordan) told me to go out and wrestle, but also just let the match come to me. I used that to my strength and went out aggressive, but let it come to me (as well).
Who is your most influential role model?
I would say my dad. He's a hard worker and became the man that he is now (by taking) a lot of big steps in his life. I think if someone overcomes some of the trials and tribulations he has, anyone can.
What is your greatest accomplishment so far as an athlete?
There are a couple things, but my main two goals haven't been accomplished yet. I'm looking forward to doing it this year - winning a national title. I'm thinking about trying out for the Olympics following this season. Those are the two really big dreams I have, so I'm hoping that I fulfill them really soon.
Can you talk a little bit about what it's like competing in a conference like the ACC?
In every sport, the ACC is one of the top conferences. The wrestling is getting really tough. There are a lot of good teams here, like Maryland, Virginia, and ourselves at NC State. I think with powerhouse teams like those on the rise, the ACC can be one of the top conferences for wrestling in the next few years. I knew I wanted to wrestle in this conference (even though) I didn't know where I wanted to go to school. It's a dream come true wrestling in the ACC and I'm looking forward to representing it well.
What is your most memorable moment in sports, either as an athlete or as a fan?
Our team winning the ACC title last year. It was huge. We went in there (after having lost) to Maryland two weeks prior and weren't the top dog, but with the way we performed our team got a lot closer and it was an amazing feeling to win the ACC title with my teammates.
You mentioned going out for the football team. Are you waiting until after your wrestling eligibility is up or are you going to do that at the same time?
I'm going to try to do both, but it depends. I know I'm focusing my future on wrestling and I know I can win a national title. I'm not trying to toot my own horn, but I got to be confident. (Going out for football) is just something I want to do. I don't want to be the old man in despair, thinking I should have done it. I was All-State my senior year (of high school) at cornerback.
Why did you choose NC State?
Coach Carter (Jordan) is a great guy. He knows how to talk to me and he definitely knows how to coach. I'm glad I came here. He was most of the reason, and there were also a couple of guys from Jersey on the team. Basically, I have a coach who talks to me, converses with me, and treats me like a respectable human being (along with) guys I knew prior to coming.
Any thoughts for what you might want to do after your NC State career?
I didn't want to try out for the Olympics this year, but I'm going to try out for the (University Games), which is like an Olympics for universities. Then around the 2012 Olympics in London, I will be a year or two out of college. I'm going to work really hard in the next few years to fulfill those dreams to be on the Olympic team and hopefully win a gold medal. This is something I've talked about every week for my whole life. Who wants to work (after college)?
Darrion Caldwell and the Wolfpack travel to Maryland on Saturday to defend their ACC title in the 2008 ACC Wrestling Championship, beginning at noon. Wrestling championship action can be viewed live on ACC Select.
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