SF State wrestler Pacifico Garcia - an all-American, three-time national championship qualifier who is currently ranked fourth in the nation - gears up for heavy competition at the NCAA Division II National Championships on March 12.

The soft-spoken, 5-foot-7-inch, 141-pound Fresno native is preparing mentally, rehearsing every situation with positive imagery for his upcoming nationals competition. Garcia compiled a decisive 3-0 match record on his way to winning the 149-pound weight class at the Division II West Regionals.

"You’ve got to have luck because everyone’s there to win a national title," Garcia said. "If I win the title, it means I do have potential and that all my hard work paid off. This title will give back to my family for the sacrifices they’ve made for me."

Garcia’s brothers, Pablo and Fernando, and his parents, Paul and Laura, always played sports at family gatherings as a way for the men to bond together and to keep Garcia focused and out of trouble, he said.

"My family did a lot to help me reach my goals by taking me to the gym when I was younger, going to my competitions and supporting me 100 percent," Garcia said. "I always give my awards to my mom because she deserves (them) just as much as I do."

Gator wrestling coach Lars Jensen and teammates describe Garcia as a quiet leader with drive and determination that shows through his actions, which speak louder than words.

"He leads by example with a great work ethic," said Donald Lockett, Garcia’s fellow wrestling co-captain and also a contender for nationals. "He always tries to help the younger guys out, transitioning from high school to college. He’s a great team leader and teammate."

Garcia's fellow teammate and roommate, Jaime Alvarez, 27, describes him as a dedicated, committed and focused guy with his priorities sorted out very well.

"He goes to the gym every night after practice," said Eric Fitzpatrick, 21, also a teammate and roommate to Garcia. "He’s always thinking about wrestling and training. (He’s) really focused."
His high school coach told him a student-athlete has three lives: an academic, athletic and social life, Garcia said. But, his coach added, a person can only juggle two of them and he would have to choose.
Garcia chose the academic and athletic lives, in hopes of becoming a high school wrestling coach.

"My eighth grade wrestling coach was like a hero," Garcia said. "He saw potential in me and gave me a chance when others wouldn’t and I want to keep that going for someone else. He was the one who made college realistic for me."

Balancing the stresses of school with wrestling can be really straining and tough. Garcia’s world includes pick up games in basketball, baseball, punching the boxing bag around and hanging with teammates and roommates. He stays pretty diligent in training and studying, not leaving much time for anything else.

"It all depends on how successful you want to be in either sports or academics," Garcia said. "Before each week, I decide how many workouts I need and do a timeframe for the week, of times to workout and times for school."

Garcia described wrestling as a difficult sport to build relationships in, but since the start of the wrestling season in November and their recent 17th national ranking, he has seen his team grow closer. He praises assistant coaches Drew Dunbar and Joey Bareng with knowing how to relate to the guys and knowing how to talk to them on a peer level, having just finished their wrestling careers at SF State last year.

"I have to credit the young guys coming everyday," Garcia said. "They are the reason Donald and I are able to workout everyday. They’ve earned the respect and are the backbone of our team."
Garcia wouldn’t be the same person that he is today without wrestling and the opportunities that it’s given to him, he said.

"College is the biggest opportunity I’ve been given through wrestling," Garcia said. "I’ve gained so many relationships and friends that I will speak to for the rest of my life and the credibility for my future job."

Garcia tries to stay focused on his goals for nationals, he said, but the possibility that this could be his last shot looms large with the upcoming student athletic fee referendum vote on March 14-16.

"If athletics is cut, it will cost many athletes all the goals that they have set for themselves," Garcia said. "That is so crushing to a person."

With nationals approaching fast, Garcia stays driven with a diligence seen in his preparation for this competition, ready for whatever comes his way on March 12.