Feb. 12, 2008

DETROIT - Northern Illinois redshirt senior Pat Castillo is the Mid-American Conference Wrestler of the Week, conference commissioner Rick Chryst announced Tuesday.

Castillo (Western Springs, Ill./Lyons Township) went undefeated on the week in compiling a 4-0 record, including a 2-0 slate in conference matches. He wrestled to a 4-3 decision over No. 16 Sean Clair of Eastern Michigan in NIU's one-point win over the Eagles

"It was a pivotal match and Pat has a real gas tank, so in those third periods he can put it in overdrive and beat a lot people," 12th-year head coach Dave Grant said.

Castillo also earned the Huskies' only victory in the a team loss to No. 5 Central Michigan. He then picked-up his nation-leading 14th major decision against Clarion's Robert LaBrake, and earned his 15th major of the year versus Rob Tate of Gardner-Webb.

"He's been one of our most dominant wrestlers," Grant said. "You can always count on Pat to give 100 percent. He's very intense and competes hard every time he walks out there."

The award is the third of Castillo's career, and the second for the Huskies this season. Redshirt sophomore Duke Burk (Peoria, Ill./Notre Dame) took the honor for the week ending Dec. 4.

The Huskies return to action for the final dual meets of the season, Sunday, Feb. 16, when they face Southern Illinois-Edwardsville and Truman State.