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SJSU Wrestling Archives The Spartan Daily 10-31-79 |
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Baza Praises Coaches, Hard Work |
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by Ron Lazzarotti |
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| For a person who stands 5'4", SJSU wrestler Eddie Baza packs a lot of power in a small package. Baza, 19, is the reigning PCAA champion in the 126-pound division and the only returning Spartan who qualified for last year's NCAA championships. Not a bad year for a freshman. "It was really exciting to win the PCAA title and go to the NCAA championships," Baza said. "I didn't think i could do it. A lot has to do with the coaches as they worked a lot with me." Assistant coach Dan Kida, a two-time All-America wrestler had a good deal to do with the development of Baza. "Coach Kida had a lot of influence on me," Baza said. "I had two weeks to prepare for the NCAAs. I had to wrestle him twice a day." However, head coach T.J. Kerr had the most influence on the young wrestler. "He really helped," Baza said. "He's the best coach i have ever been under. He brings out the best in you. He's very disciplined. He pushes you to be the best you can, emphasizing techniques. He's been around. He knows what it takes to be good." With one year of college wrestling experience under his belt, Baza is now aware of what it takes to be a consistent winner... hard work. During the off-season, Baza's training program included running two to four miles a day, lifting weights, and working out on the mat. "You have to put yourself to work to be good," he said. As for the goals this season, Baza plans "to take them one at a time." "First i have to work on starting," he said. "Then i'll worry about the PCAA." However, Baza does have some future hopes. "I want to be the first wrestler at SJSU to go to the NCAA championships four years," he said, "and i feel i can be an All-American." With his success last season, Baza is off to a good start and it does not hurt having an ex-All-American to pattern himself after. "I try to measure myself up to coach Kida," Baza said. "Now i realize the qualities it takes to win." And winning is his ultimate goal while going through the practice season. "Right now you don't get any personal rewards," he said. "But it is really satisfying to win a match and push yourself when you're tired." Baza started wrestling seriously at Sunnyvale High School, although "I didn't have much style." Before that, he became interested in wrestling because of older brothers. "I have five older brothers who wrestled," Baza said. "I guess i just grew into it." Baza entered SJSU a year ago as a computer technology major, but since then has changed his mind. "I'd like to major in special education," he said. "I like helping kids." Helping kids come naturally to Baza because he has a 14 year old brother who is mentally retarded. 'No matter how bad i feel," Baza said, "i look at him and know he feels worse." "I'd like to work in special education and coach if i can," Baza concluded. There is a lot of pressure on this young man because of his achievements last season, but he takes them in stride while preparing for the challenge of the upcoming season. |
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