March 18, 2010

DEKALB, Ill. - Two members of the Northern Illinois University wrestling team were recognized for their achievements in the classroom as the Mid-American Conference announced its 2010 Academic All-MAC Wrestling Team today.

Juniors Vince Castillo (Western Springs, Ill./Lyons Township) and Patrick McLemore (Hinckley, Ohio/Padua Franciscan), who are earning their first Academic All-MAC selections, join a group of 10 wrestlers voted to the team by the league's faculty athletic representatives.

"They are really committed to their studies," NIU head coach Dave Grant said of Castillo and McLemore. "They work hard on the mat and in the classroom. I'm extremely proud of their accomplishments and their dedication to wrestling and their academic endeavors."

Castillo posted an 11-5 overall record, an 8-1 dual match mark and went 2-0 versus conference opponents while competing at 141 pounds. He turned in a season-long five-match winning streak, including a 3-0 day at the Spartan Duals. A Kinesiology major, Castillo earned Victory Scholar (3.5-4.0 GPA) status within the NIU's Academic Excellence program.

McLemore, who missed several matches due to injury, scored a 9-9 overall record competing at 141 pounds. Of his nine victories, one came by pin fall and three by major decision. He opened the season with a four-match winning streak and won five of his first six matches. This is McLemore's second conference accolade this season as he garnered Honorable Mention All-MAC honors after placing second at 141 at the 2010 MAC Championships. He earned Huskie Scholar (3.0-3.49 GPA) status within the NIU's Academic Excellence program while majoring in physical education.

The NIU wrestling team is still competing as Junior Bryan Deutsch (Columbia City, Ind./Columbia City) opens competition at the 2010 NCAA Wrestling Championships on today when he faces No. 4 seed Cyler Sanderson of Penn State at the Qwest Center in Omaha, Neb.