Intensity: Jace Garza Survives "Complete Hell" To Become an Elite Wrestler

HOLLAND, MI

Hard work is something that most people will never truly know. In a world that likes to take the easy route to success, Jace Garza ('17) goes against the grain and forges his own path towards discipline and self sacrifice. We sat down with Jace and discussed his work ethic and his laser point focus going into his senior year at West Ottawa.
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How did you prepare for this season?
By going to J Robinson’s 14 day intensive camp at Edinboro University. J Robinson taught me how to
become a better wrestler and person. They also wanted to teach us what kind of hard work it takes to wrestle
in college and at a high level.

What was J Robinson Intensive Training Camp like?
It was complete hell. For 14 days straight, all I did was wrestle, eat, and sleep. But it was the greatest thing I
could have done for myself as a wrestler. Even though I hated it so much, I’m tempted to go back for more at
the 28 day camp.

Why did you decide on J Rob?
I picked J Rob because it is the first intensive camp that started intensive camps. The program has not
changed over the whole time it has been created 40 years ago. Only the toughest mentally and physically can
graduate from J Rob camp.

What are some of the hurdles you have to face?
Myself, no matter how much I don’t want to do something like get up early and run and lift, I know I have to
because if I don’t I know I will just lose a day on my opponent who is doing the same thing.

You've hit the weight room pretty hard this off season. How important is that for you?
Strength is super important in wrestling, which I learned quickly freshman year. You have to be able to hold
your position at all times. Technique is nothing without strength and strength is nothing without technique.

What are your goals this season?
My goals for the season is to get that 100th win which I am only 27 away from. Also to become a state
champ, if not a state champ, then definitely top 4.

What do you plan to do after high school?
Hopefully go to the University of Michigan and go into pre-med. If that doesn’t work out, I want to go to MSU
and wrestle with my buddy Ethan.
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Who is your wrestling hero?
My wrestling hero is Auggie Mata. When I was in little panthers, his dad ran it for the first year. I went to all the high school summer camps when I was a 5th grader and Auggie was always the one I looked up too. I watched him at all the wrestling duals I went to and always wanted to be like him. The best part is that Auggie probably doesn’t even know this either.