Compared to his high school career, during which he set national records with 95 victories as a senior and 289 in his career, junior 149 pounder Colton Palmer has had a quiet first two years at State. His freshman year, Palmer selflessly filled in for at least three matches at three different weight classes, then redshirted while backing up national champion Darrion Caldwell at 149 pounds a year ago. But in the wake of an injury that will prevent Caldwell from wrestling this season, Palmer said he is now thrilled to be the starter at his natural weight.
“I’m very excited to be at 149,” Palmer said. “I’m finally at my real weight class. Personally, I just wanted to do whatever I could do to help the team, but this year’s really a chance for me to flourish in my weight class. I’m really excited about that, and I expect nothing less from myself than being an ACC champion.”
With Caldwell, one of the best wrestlers in N.C. State history, out for the season, many might expect a drop off at his weight class. Coach Carter Jordan could not disagree more.
“There’s no question there is not much of a drop-off,” Jordan said. “It’s an embarrassment of riches to have somebody as talented as he is, filling in, so to speak. He’s a legitimate 149 pounder that will compete to be an All-American this year. We are very fortunate to have him and we expect him to have a terrific year.”
Palmer is every bit as impressive off the mat as he is on it, according to his coach.
“He’s as good a citizen as he is an athlete,” Jordan said. “He’s an awesome kid and a great student. He is a really, really great ambassador for our program.”
Palmer not only has what it took to win 214 of his final 215 matches in high school, with the one loss coming on a medical default, he also has the defending national champion at his weight class coaching him up.
“Thus far this season [Caldwell] is always right beside me,” Palmer said. “We talk about everything that’s going on. He’s always very confident in me, which helps me be more confident in myself. If I’m in shape and ready to go, I can beat anybody. So it’s been very beneficial having him in my corner and I know it will be throughout the season.”
Caldwell expects a big season out of Palmer and said he can’t wait to see his former backup in action.
“He was a great backup last year,” Caldwell said. “I honestly feel like last year he could have won ACCs at that weight class. I just want to see C.P. go out there and do his thing and get things popping. That’s his name — we call him Mr. Get It Popping, so we want to see him get it popping this year. I’m looking forward to a great season for my dude. “
Filling in for Caldwell, who this past summer became the first wrestler in Wolfpack history to wrestle for the U.S. World National team, would almost certainly put a lot of pressure on most people, but Palmer said he actually relishes the task at hand.
“I don’t feel as if it’s a lot of pressure on me,” Palmer said. “I feel more as if it’s an opportunity for me. I also have to walk in my own shoes because you can’t really fill his shoes, him being a national champion and whatnot.”
