The Famous Push in the 2009 NCAA wrestling championships

After winning the 2009 NCAA wrestling championship at 149 pounds, Darrion Caldwell earned a spot on the U.S. National Team this past summer. He traveled to many places all over the world and had the opportunity to wrestle with world champions. On Friday it was announced that due to a shoulder injury, Caldwell will have to undergo surgery on Oct. 5 and will miss the upcoming season. Recovery time is between four and six months.

Caldwell said that the shoulder injury happened last Labor Day weekend. “Basically I was goofing off with my girlfriend and rollerblading and I ended up falling. It was actually pretty funny — like a blooper or something,” he said.

Caldwell still has one year of eligibility left at N.C. State and will be wrestling for the Wolfpack again during the 2010-2011 season. Technician Deputy Sports Editor Jen Hankin had the opportunity to talk with defending champion Caldwell about his injury and future plans.

In the year that he is going to take off, you had better believe that he is not going to be very far from the wrestling room. “I can take this time and then get back on the road and get back on the cycle for 2012. I did get hurt though and I know that’s just a stepping stone. I feel like this is just getting me more mentally ready. With this break it’s just going to make me want it even more.”

Caldwell also shared that he would like to coach, “something I’ve always dreamed of doing,” he said.

Technician: What are your plans for the upcoming year and what do you think your first break from wrestling in such a long time will be like?

Caldwell: I have taken some steps back from wrestling and basically been getting my academics together. Last semester, during the national championship, my grades fell off a little bit. I feel with this here, I’m going to concentrate on my grades. I also feel grateful to be able to act more as a coach, which is something I’ve always dreamed of doing.” Caldwell also says that “now instead of going to practice to wrestle, I’ll be going to practice to actually help them improve. I’m basically playing a coach’s role. I really feel like it will be beneficial for the team, since I’ve seen most of the competition that they are going to face. This is modern day wrestling, it’s different from 10 to 15 years ago when the coaches were wrestling. I feel like I can help them with the little small things.”

Related posts:

1. What in the WORLD?! Caldwell Beats Metcalf! Can it seriously be true?
2. Big Ten 2009 Tourney Results and Highlights
3. Should Brent Metcalf Have to Apologize For His Last Second Push?
4. Nebraska at the 2009 NCAA Div I Wrestling Championships – Photo of the week
5. Dan Gable’s Take on Cael Sanderson’s Switch to Penn State