June 29, 2000

Wrestlers are seen as a different breed. The stereotype is that these athletes are into starving themselves, working out all the time and doing nothing but wrestling. But then comes Chris Rodrigues, a recent graduate of the Walker School (Ga.), and all those stereotypes fly out the window.

That's not to say Rodrigues is a slacker. He's far from it. Considering he was the only high school wrestler invited to last week's U.S. Olympic Trials, Rodrigues obviously works hard. However, the 130-pounder also understands the mental side of the sport.

"I don't think I miss out on anything," says the well-spoken Rodrigues. "I just make time to have fun. I don't understand how some of these guys can just work out and wrestle all the time. They're going to get burned out."

	Rodrigues will wrestle for the University of Michigan this coming season.

Don't look for Rodrigues to get tired of the sport anytime soon. His coach, Bobby Demeritt, who retired from wrestling after the 1996 U.S. Olympic Trials, sees the maturity in this 18-year-old sensation.

"He never gets tired of the sport," says Demeritt. "He can come out here, wrestle every day and never get burned out."

Apparently, the only thing that can slow down Rodrigues these days is the broken jaw he suffered four weeks prior to the Olympic Trials. He was leading, 10-3, at the Junior World Trials when he attempted to throw his opponent. The competitor's head slammed into Rodrigues' jaw, breaking it. Despite all his efforts, the jaw didn't heal in time for the Olympic Trials.

"That was a big disappointment," says Rodrigues. "It would have been a total honor to go to the Olympic Trials. I was expecting to place high."

There it is ? that hint of confidence that separates Rodrigues from most wrestlers his age, or any other age for that matter. He's not cocky, but he does know that when he hits the mat there aren't many people who can beat him. That should be obvious from his 174-2 career record and four straight state titles while at the Walker School.

Rodrigues' theory is that the best wrestlers have to know they are going to win or they shouldn't bother competing.

"Chris is a good sportsman, and he expects to win," adds Demeritt. "He wrestles at a much higher level than most high school kids because he devotes so much time and he works so hard."

There aren't many high school athletes who will rise at 5:30 a.m. to practice for two hours, go to work from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m., eat dinner and then practice again for two more hours.

Speaking of eating, to be in Olympic form, it is assumed that Rodrigues must follow strict guidelines to keep his weight steady and stay in shape. But, just like everything else, he keeps it all in perspective.

"You just have to eat a balanced meal," says Rodrigues. "Stay off the sweets and soda when it gets closer to a competition. I make sure I am getting food with nutritious value and, of course, drinking lots of water and taking my vitamins.

"I would hate to have to starve myself. I love to eat," he continues. "I think it's easier to do a hard workout and lose the weight than to go an entire day without eating."

For now, Rodrigues is eating well and preparing for the Junior Duals this weekend in Oklahoma. Later in July, he'll be shooting for a title at the Junior Nationals, and by fall it's off to the University of Michigan.

Wrestling for the Wolverines will be the next big challenge for Rodrigues, but, as always, he takes it all in stride.

"I don't want to use my redshirt freshman year," he says. "I want to start, place and win right away. I've seen what they can do, and I know I can beat them just as long as I keep working my ass off."

"Nothing that this kid does should surprise anyone," adds Demeritt. "He's so good. The sky is the limit for him."