Feb. 16, 2007

DeKalb, Ill. - NIU Junior Pat Castillo (Western Springs, Ill.) has been named the MAC Wrestler of the Week for his upset victory over the number one ranked wrestler in the conference at 125-pounds in Luke Smith of Central Michigan.

With the 3-2 decision over Smith, Castillo improved his record against Mid-American Conference opponents to a perfect 4-0 this season. Castillo is currently nationally ranked at 17th in the InterMat/NWCA/NMCA individual rankings and the win pushed him into first place at 125-pounds in the MAC rankings.

"Pat's really come on strong at the end of the season," said head coach Dave Grant of Pat Castillo's recent performance, "He's got a great attitude and he's been wrestling real tough for us."

This is Castillo's second MAC wrestler of the week award in his career. Castillo won the award last year (Jan. 23-29) for his win over 16th ranked Kent State's Chad Sportelli.

Castillo and the Huskies will finish their regular season by hosting Eastern Michigan, Eastern Illinois and Southern Illinois-Edwardsville in the Convocation Center on Sunday February 18th at 10:00 a.m.

For further information, contact Matt Stiles at niuwrestlingsid.com.

-NIU-