Many a talented wrestler has come through the Cary wrestling program, but never has one been as decorated or nationally respected as this year’s TCN Male Athlete of the Year, senior Eloheim Palma.

This year alone, Palma was awarded the Nation’s Junior Schalles award winner by WIN Magazine, named to Asics first team All-America, named to Wrestling USA Magazine’s “Dream Team” and, of course, became the first Cary wrestler to win a national championship.

Lots of wrestlers are dominant, but Palma was overwhelming, using an aggressive style that most other heavyweights stay away from.

Palma finished his career 225-9, winning 159 matches by pin. He went 61-0 this year while winning his third consecutive state championship and wasn’t put to the mat until the national tournament.

Even before Palma clinched a national title, his coach, Jerry Winterton, called him “one of the best wrestlers to ever come out of the North Carolina.”

While the on-mat success is staggering, it’s not what caused Tom Suiter’s jaw to drop when he first interviewed Palma for the WRAL Extra Effort Award. Suiter, who has interviewed his share of outstanding student-athletes over the years, said he was floored by the maturity and drive in Palma’s answers.

After finishing national runner-up in 2008, Palma was confident in his ablities, but humble enough to work as if he was still looking for his first win.

“It's just the mentality we grew up with. Nothing less than the best for us,” Palma said. “If we win or lose, we have to compete at a level that when we go home and look in the mirror we can say ‘I gave it all I had.’”

Palma, who also competed for the Cary football and track teams this year, will wrestle heavyweight for N.C. State next year after accepting a full scholarship.