It is easy to summarize Sebastian Gracia’s wrestling career so far: aggressive, athletic, and victorious. A senior this year and January athlete of the month, Garcia is a seasoned staple on this year’s young wrestling team.

Garcia is on a roll this season, as he is currently the Titan Invitational, Pat Dulany, and Hub Cup champion in the 126lb weight class. Garcia has received first place at three of the five major tournaments this year, and placed third at the Elite Opener meet, the first tournament of the season.

With wrestling playoffs on the horizon, Garcia hopes to continue doing well in these tournaments. The devoted athlete plans on challenging himself even more by going up against harder competition in preparation for regionals and states. Garcia’s first experience at states placed him at the fifth position in his competitive weight class.

“[I plan to] just keep on getting better and get more wins against better kids,” Garcia said, “The end goal is to win regionals and states.”

Garcia was not always set on becoming a star wrestler, though. Garcia didn’t even start wrestling until his sophomore year. Before wrestling, Garcia practiced jiu jitsu and MMA fighting. 

Garcia’s experience with other combat sports has allowed him to become the wrestler he is. With Garcia’s unique background, the wrestler steps onto the mat with an unconventional wrestling style that allows him to defeat his opponents.

“[My background] makes me an awkward and weird wrestler,” Garcia said “Not a lot of kids can do that.”

Garcia got hooked on wrestling by just trying it out for a school sport. He has found a different appreciation for the sport in each of the 3 seasons since he started competing as a Bulldog.

“Wrestling just really stuck with me,” Garcia said.

Wrestling’s regional playoffs will be at Freedom High School on Feb. 6 starting at 9:00 a.m.  Make sure to go cheer on Sebastian Garcia and all the other amazing athletes on the wrestling team as they continue to compete for state titles.