April 2, 2008

DeKALB, Ill. - Northern Illinois senior wrestler Pat Castillo led the nation in major decisions, the National Wrestling Coaches Association announced Wednesday.

Castillo compiled 15 major decisions wins in the regular season, plus one at the NCAA Wrestling Championships. His regular season total was two more than Steve Mytych of Drexel, who had the second most with 13.

Over half of Castillo's 31 win came by major decision, including a string of five straight majors from Jan. 20-Feb. 1. At one point during the year, Castillo put together nine consecutive victories in which he earned a major decision or better.

Castillo's performance on the mat earned him his second Mid-American Conference Most Outstanding Wrestler Award and third trip to the NCAA Championships. He finished his Northern Illinois career with 100 wins and just 32 losses.

A wrestler earns a major decision by defeating his opponent by eight points or more. Castillo's largest win of the year came by technical fall (15 points or more) over Jan Ulinski of Findlay, who Castillo bested 26-11.

With the NWCA's official announcement, Castillo becomes the third Northern Illinois student-athlete to lead the NCAA in a statistical category in the last two years. In 2006, running back Garrett Wolfe led the nation in rushing with 2,177 yards and goalkeeper Joe Zimka set an NCAA record by allowing just 0.21 goals per game on the pitch.v