Wrestling's Rodrigues Now Sets Sights on ACC

But as a former redshirt wrestler at Michigan, North Carolina freshman Chris Rodrigues had much more than an upset on his mind.

He was ready to show Michigan what it missed out on when he asked for and got his release from the Wolverines' squad.

Rodrigues was set to face his old wrestling partner, Michigan All-American A.J. Grant, in the 125-pound quarterfinals of the Las Vegas Invitational on Nov. 30, less than a year after his transfer to UNC.

"I was very nervous, but I was looking forward to the match," said Rodrigues, a former Durham resident who wasn't happy with the lack of team unity at Michigan. "I had something to prove. Maybe I didn't develop there, but I could have if given the chance."

Against Grant, Rodrigues played it safe and took few chances. His defensive style slowed the pace in the opening minutes but kept him in a position to win.

Rodrigues was primed for a two-point takedown with two seconds left. But Grant slithered away and won by a 4-3 score.

UNC coach Bill Lam said Rodrigues should look forward to a rematch one day against Grant.

"I told him that it was just another wrestling match and, at the same time, let him know that he is competitive," Lam said.

That sort of competition is new to Rodrigues, who hardly was challenged during high school.

He attended The Walker School in Georgia and compiled a 172-1 record. He finished as a four-time state champion and a three-time national champion.

Even with minimal experience at the college level, his battle scars already mirror those of most collegiate wrestlers: a cauliflower ear, a busted bottom lip.

But Rodrigues is noticeably different in one category -- height. He measures 5 feet 4 inches, the shortest of all UNC grapplers.

Fellow Tar Heel wrestler Evan Sola said Rodrigues' knowledge of the sport helps with any height disadvantage.

"It's good to have someone like him in the room because he knows a lot about wrestling," Sola said.

And Rodrigues knows he must improve his own moves to win as he prepares for his first ACC match tonight against N.C. State's George Cintron.

He said he lacked aggressiveness against Grant and will become more tenacious during the year.

"I need to take more chances," Rodrigues said. "The more I take, the better things will end up because I am a better scrambler than most wrestlers."

His quickness might prove instrumental if he is to reach his goal of being an All-American.

"I think it can happen, but it will take a lot of hard work," Rodrigues said.

Hard work that nearly paid off against one All-American this year.

The Sports Editor can be reached at sports@unc.edu.