Athlete of the Week: Kevin Garza

Why did you start wresting?
My brother (Justin) forced me into it. I just fell in love with it.

What do you like most about wrestling?
It’s physical, and it relieves stress.

What made your performance at this weekend’s tournament stand out?
I was just really motivated. I felt like I wasn’t doing it just for me. I was doing it for Josh (Rogers) and Brett (Wagner) and their families. They would have been there if (they hadn’t died in the car accident a few weeks ago).

What are your plans after high school?
I want to go to the University of Central Florida. I want to wrestle there.

What do you like to do in your spare time?
I fish — saltwater. I have a boat, a Mao. In the summer, I go out almost every week. I don’t go that much now because it’s cold.

If you had a super power, what would it be?
Strength.

What is your favorite food?
Freshly caught fish. I like to eat it fried.

What do you think makes a great wrestler?
Someone who is motivated and doesn’t give up. They always are determined to go 100% the whole time. You can break the will of the other person. Even if you lose, they aren’t going to want to wrestle you again.

Do you follow any professional sports?
I like to watch football — the Tampa Bay Bucs. I like to watch more college — the Florida Gators and Iowa wrestling.

What’s the hardest thing you’ve ever done?
Going to the Iowa (wrestling) Training Camp in 2008. They push you to your limit every day, three times a day.

If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go?
Fiji. The water is so clear and I can go fishing.

If you had a $1 million, what would you do with it?
I’d buy a boat and a truck. I’d put the rest in the bank.