It’s no secret that Turlock High senior wrestler Fabian Garcia’s ultimate goal is to be a state champion. This aim is very realistic for him, since he’s a three-time state medalist.

On Saturday, he achieved a triumph that could lead to a state title. At the Reno Tournament of Champions, Garcia beat Sean Van Dyke of Grundy, Va., 8-3 to win the 125-pound title.

It was the first time a wrestler from Turlock High captured a title at the famed tournament. Teammate Brandon Egleston also went home with a medal, as he finished eighth at 130 pounds.

“I was happy,” Garcia said shortly after a win that gave him two-time All-American status.

The senior doesn’t say too much, as he’s a walking cliché that speaks with his actions. That sentiment was apparent on Saturday, when he topped elite wrestlers. He beat Hayden Tuma of Boise, Idaho — a freestyle and Greco Roman champion — in the quarterfinals before upsetting Vince Rodriguez of Clovis North — a 2010 CIF State runner-up — in the semifinals.

“It’s a great accomplishment,” Turlock coach Mike Contreras said. “Now he’s a two-time All-American and a Reno TOC champion. It’s great for our program. I’m just very happy for him. It’s one of the goals he said he wanted to be a champion here. He’s met that goal. Now, it’s on to the next goal.”

Garcia can also say that he did something Lewis Gonzalez didn’t, referring to a former THS state champion and now an assistant for the Bulldogs. Gonzalez, in his stellar prep career, managed two runner-up spots at the Reno TOC.

“I wanted to do better than him,” Garcia said, happily. “So I had to take first and I accomplished it.”

To contact Chhun Sun, e-mail csun@turlockjournal.com or call 634-9141 ext. 2041.