SPORTS

Mat Pack Q&A: Vineland's Joham Garcia

JOSH FRIEDMAN
@JFriedman57

Vineland’s Joham Garcia entered his senior year with hopes of reaching Atlantic City. But those dreams have also coincided with the birth of a daughter. Garcia recently spoke with the Mat Pack about what this season has been like.

QUESTION: You’re a week away from districts. What are your emotions like?

ANSWER: I’m a little nervous. It could be my last day stepping in there. I’ve got to keep wrestling tough.

Q: What’s practice been like?

A: I haven’t been able to step on the mat because I’m going through some issues right now, but hopefully next week changes everything.

Q: What issues? Are you hurt?

A: I have a baby on the way now, she was born (Tuesday). That’s a big responsibility.

Q: What has the season been like with that going on?

A: It’s been a little stressful because it’s a big responsibility, but like I told coach, there’s no excuses at all (for my performance). I’m here for both, sports and her.

Q: Was it a boy or a girl?

A: Girl, Elianis.

Q: How have you continued to wrestle with all this going on?

A: I talked to (Elianis’ mom), she likes seeing me be on the mat. That’s not going to change anything right now. They’re both going to support me.

Q: Is it hard to concentrate?

A: It is. My mind’s not fully 100 percent on the mats. It’s more on her, but we’ll see what happens when the time comes in districts.

Q: Has having a kid changed your perspective? Given you a new world view?

A: It has, because now I need to get a job. I’ve got to be there. I’ve got to cut a lot of time off of things I like doing and now everything’s got to go to her.

Wrestling: Vineland beats Lower for first win of season

Q: You won a district title your sophomore year while at Millville, then transferred to Vineland. How do you feel you’ve done since then?

A: I feel like I’ve wrestled up and down. Sometimes (I’ll have) my off days and stuff, but I don’t see nothing different. I feel more confident than I did sophomore year when I won. I’m focused more on Atlantic City now.

Q: You battled some injuries last year and are dealing with a left shoulder issue this year. How have those ailments affected you?

A: They affected me because I couldn’t move too much like I normally do on the mat. It just changes everything I’m doing right now.

Q: How motivated are you?

A: Last year, (when Garcia was eliminated in the district quarterfinals), was something I did not expect at all. I fell asleep on them. It wasn’t me last year at all. It was a whole new year for me since I went to Vineland. I felt like a freshman again.

Q: What are your goals?

A: My goals are to go to Atlantic City.

Q: How do you accomplish that goal?

A: Wrestle tough and don’t let nobody beat me on my feet. Attack how I used to do.

Q: Do you feel you have a lot to prove?

A: This year I have a lot to prove. I’ve got to show that all of this has paid off.

Josh Friedman; (856) 563-5257; jfriedman2@gannettnj.com

Joham Garcia

Vineland

Senior

120 pounds