The wrestling team opened its season Saturday with an individual tournament where team scores were not kept, yet State had several high finishes. Two of the top wrestlers in the nation squared off when junior Darrion Caldwell, the nation’s number-four ranked wrestler beat Ohio State’s No. 5 Lance Palmer in the finals of the 149 weight-class. According to coach Carter Jordan this was the highlight of the day.
“It was maybe the best match that Darrion has ever wrestled at N.C. State,” Jordan said. “I was very impressed — he wrestled very intelligently and used a lot of savvy.”
Caldwell said he was equally impressed with his standout performance in the season opener — a season he has high hopes for.
“It was a really big day for me,” Caldwell said. “I feel like this is the year to win the national championship. I have my best shot this year.”
The Wolfpack decided to register the team unattached in this tournament. This meant that their wins or losses do not factor into their official record, and that Jordan and his staff are not allowed to coach during the matches. Yet, the positive energy extended thought out the day, according to Jordan.
“Considering our guys were wrestling on their own, without a coach in their corner, I was incredibly pleased with everyone overall.” Jordan said.
Not having a coach on the mat didn’t affect the performance of most of the wrestlers according to Caldwell.
“Carter was there for encouragement and to help me adjust after the matches,” Caldwell said. “Even though he wasn’t in my corner he was still there for me.”
Although unattached meant no official coaches, Taylor Cummings had his brother, Garrett Cummings who wrestled for State 2004 to 2007, on the mat helping him.
“My brother was in my corner coaching me so it wasn’t hard to wrestle unattached,” Cummings said. “But don’t get me wrong, I always prefer Carter in my corner.”
Cummings finished second in the 125 weight class, losing by two points to Jarrod Garnett of Hokie WC.
Hosting a tournament is really an advantage Cummings said, especially to open the season.
“Waking up in your hometown is such an advantage,” Cummings said. “It’s very comfortable to be in our own environment with all our friends and family there.”
There were many other standout performances, according to Jordan, on Saturday. Jacob Burge, a true freshman, had a great showing and made his presence known. Burge made it all the way to the semifinals, losing to Ohio State’s David Rella.
“Jake getting to the semifinals and losing only by a point to a nationally-ranked guy is definitely something you need to watch,” Jordan said. “That’s big time. People don’t understand how hard it is to compete at this level, especially when you’re a freshman. He’s got a bright future.”
According to Jordan, this year he is running a much tighter ship.
“The way in which our team is preparing is really starting to show,” Jordan said. “Everyone that goes out there is ready to win — no matter who they’re wrestling. That’s very encouraging for a coach.”
