April 22, 2008

DeKALB, Ill. - The Northern Illinois wrestling team named senior Pat Castillo the recipient of the 2008 Bruce Swierczewski Award at the annual team banquet, Saturday.

Castillo earned the award after achieving his second MAC Most Outstanding Wrestler Award, third placefinish at the Midlands Championships, and third trip to the NCAA Championships. Castillo won his 100th career match during the season and led the nation with 16 major decisions.

At 141 pounds, Pat McLemore took the team's Outstanding Freshman Award. McLemore shocked the MAC by upsetting the defending champion, then the number one seed on his way to the conference title. McLemore followed up by earning two wins at the NCAA Championships.

Seniors Aaron Owen and Kalen Knull shared the Five-Year Huskie Achievement Award. Knull finished his career in top form, making a run to third-place at the MAC Championships. Owen, despite being injured for most of his junior and senior seasons, set an example for the team with his dedication on the mat and in the classroom.

The team also handed out a pair of academic awards. Will McDermott maintained his perfect 4.0 grade point average to garner the team's Upperclassman Academic Award, while Justin Carlson's 3.8 GPA gave him the Freshman Academic honor.

Northern Illinois also awarded redshirt sophomore Duke Burk with the team's most improved wrestler award.