“I think I was worn out at the end of last season,” Gomez said. “This year I’m going to try to wrestle less in some open tournaments so I can have less matches going into the Big Ten’s and feel fresher.”

Gomez has springboarded into the 2007 season with an 8-0 start, which qualifies him as the only undefeated member of the Spartan wrestling team and warrants him a No. 6 ranking in the 133-pound weight class.

The Dominican Republic native received further accolades when he was named Big Ten Wrestler of the Week on Nov. 14 following an MSU Open performance in which he notched four victories en route to the Open title.

But in spite of his recent success, Gomez said he needs to make some improvements to ensure a finish that’s as strong as his start.

“Last year, I’d get to the leg and sometimes the other person would get away,” Gomez said. “This year, I’m working on finishing. I must go all the way to the end.”

Gomez is no stranger to making the necessary adjustments. Losing his father at the age of 6, Gomez had to adapt to living in Puerto Rico and then the United States.

“I wrestle for a purpose and try to do the best I can in everything I do,” he said.

In addition to working on his close-out abilities, Gomez said he generally feels more comfortable in the ring.

“Last year I was trying to be too aggressive. I think I’m calmer and attack when the opportunity’s there and defend when I need to defend,” said Gomez, who redshirted his first year to gain experience.

Head coach Tom Minkel said he’s also noticed a significant improvement in Gomez’s wrestling from 2006 to 2007.

“He went from being just average on the bottom to being very tough off the bottom,” Minkel said. “He’s very good at analyzing his wrestling and then working on his needs.”

Gomez’s speed and technique are his strong suits, and if he can stay committed to the necessary improvements, he said, an NCAA title is within reach.

“If I feel the same way I feel right now going into NCAA’s, I truly believe I can win,” Gomez said.