RALEIGH, NC (WTVD) -- NC State's Michael Macchiavello executed a takedown with 10 seconds left Saturday night to beat Virginia Tech's Jared Haught 3-1 and claim his first NCAA championship.
The 197-pounder from Monroe, NC, had already lost twice this season to Haught, but when it mattered most, he came through.
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Macchiavello is an unlikely champion. A small-time recruit from a small-time wrestling state, he struggled his first two years on the mats for the Pack.
Then, he made an unorthodox decision, opting to take a redshirt year in the middle of his collegiate career.
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As he explained on Tuesday, that year of hardening himself and honing his technique made all the difference.
Watch the video for the full interview.