Garcia goes undefeated going into national championship

Four more.Four more wins for Cody Garcia and he will be a three-time National Champion. So far this season, Garcia is 45-0. He is the only undefeated wrestler in Division II.

Along with his undefeated record, he is the No. 1 ranked wrestler in the 133-pound weight class. All of his accolades this season have led to his opponents vying to be the one to end his undefeated season and ruin his chance at being a National Champion for the third time.

"No matter who steps up to wrestle me, I have to wrestle my match," Garcia said. "I have to stay within myself."

Going in to the National Tournament, the pressure of being in the biggest matches of the season can really psych a wrestler out.

"I have high expectations for myself, being undefeated, I approach matches the same way," Garcia said. "I have overcome adversity and I don't see any extra pressure. My preparation prepares me for these matches."

Wrestlers prepare for the National Tournament on a year-round basis. Garcia's preparation consists of physical training and mental focus. Before each match Garcia has the same routine.

"I have the same warm-up routine for every match, "Garcia said. "I warm up for 20-30 minutes, and then it takes me at least 10 minutes to come back down from it."

Many athletes listen to music before their events or matches. Many of them listen to the usual pump-up songs. Garcia though, wrestles to a different beat.

"I listen to different music, more acoustic and jam band style. It fits my personality and it makes me think," he said.

As good of a wrestler as Garcia is, it surprises some that he is not wrestling at the Qwest Center for the National Tournament instead of Sapp Fieldhouse. Garcia is good enough to wrestle at the Division I level, but coming out of Hutchinson, Kan., Garcia chose UNO over other offers that he received.

"I was comfortable with this program and I'm comfortable here," Garcia said. "It was about being somewhere that you can be able to grow and reach my potential not only as a wrestler but as a person.

There is a difference in the competition level from Division I to Division II. Garcia is a big fish in the Division II pond.

"I feel like I can go with anyone in the nation. I'm comfortable wrestling anyone," Garcia said.

Growing up as an athlete there is always someone or a number of athletes that are looked up to among young athletes. In Cody's case, he admires wrestlers Cael Sanderson and Olympian John Smith along with Hall of Fame running back Barry Sanders.

"I like humble, but gifted people," Garcia said.

Humble, but gifted describes Garcia to the T. For his career he is a three-time All-American and a two-time National Champion. His goal is to add to that resume with another dominating performance at this weekend's National Wrestling tournament. In 2008, he wrestled at 125-pounds and won his second National Championship. Last season, however, Garcia went 5-1 at the National Tournament to earn a third place finish.

Last season's tournament left a bad taste in his mouth, and Garcia's goal now is to go 4-0 in the tournament this time around. He has worked hard to get to this point.

"I take it one match at a time," Garcia said. "Even though I will face tougher competition, I have to be consistent. I never struggle with high expectations. My focus is the key."

It is almost like Garcia is out there by himself because of his mentality. He is confident in his wrestling ability.

"I will wrestle anyone," Garcia said. "Whoever is on the other side of that stage doesn't matter. I just want to win in front of my family and fans.