With fans filling the rafters and people watching all over the nation, one-legged wrestler Anthony Robles from Arizona State has been one of the best stories of triumph after he won the NCAA Championship in the 125-pound weight class over a month ago.
Redshirt senior Darrion Caldwell wanted to be that story. After winning the 2009 NCAA Championship in the 149-pound weight class, Caldwell sat out the entire 2010 season due to a shoulder injury.
Caldwell returned in 2011 and dominated every opponent he faced in the regular season and ACC Championships, compiling a 14-0 record. But at Nationals, his shoulder problems would resurface as he lost in the second match due to injury default after dislocating his shoulder.
Caldwell was not the only story from the wrestling team this season, as redshirt juniors Darrius Little and Colton Palmer had breakout seasons for the Pack, which included a trip to Nationals for Little. Palmer led the team in wins, but came up just short in the ACC Championships of advancing to Nationals.
While the team may not have finished with an outstanding record (9-10 overall, 1-4 ACC) it looks to be in good hands with Little and Palmer returning, along with several talented sophomores and juniors.