The Year of the Serpent      What year is it?  A simple question with a simple answer: 2001.  But, for Stephen Abas, if you ask him the same question you're likely to get a different answer.  Abas' youthful confidence is present when the wide smile crosses his face as he answers.  To Abas, it's the year of the serpent, which means it's Stephen Abas' year.  Abas, who was born in 1978 under the sign of the serpent, likes the fact that 2001 once again is the year of the serpent.      Stephen Abas laid claim to the number one spot at the World Team Trials in Cincinnati this past June.  In a wide-open series of three matches Abas upended Eric Akin, former Iowa State standout and this year's U.S. Nationals Champion.  For Abas, the victories that unseated Akin were a transcendent moment of coming of age.       Abas, though young, compared to his competition had great respect for Akin who has battled at the top of the 54 kg weight class for years.  After the tournament was complete in Cincinnati many of the wrestlers headed to a local restaurant to catch up on things.      Akin and Abas, rivals on the mat, were seated together.  During their meal Akin told Abas, "It took you six times to figure out how to beat me twice, now I guess it's my turn to figure out how to beat you."  For Abas, Akin's assessment of the day's events were a compliment that helped Abas understand that he now stands at the top of his weight class in the United States.      Throughout the World Freestyle Training Camp, Abas has regularly worked out with Eric Guerrero America's representative at 58 kg, the next weight class up.  The two wrestlers have been involved in many heated flurries, with each wrestler's contorted movements leaving bystanders amazed at the twists and turns.  Many people have often commented to Abas that his wide lat-muscles and narrow hips coupled with his crouched rhythmic motions leave him looking like a coiled snake ready to strike.      Abas, who wrestles for the Sunkist Kids, has an incredible array of techniques.  According to Zeke Jones, assistant coach for the World Team, Abas is very secure in the basics of wrestling.  "But what makes Stephen so fun to watch is how creative he is on the mat.  He has a unique style, which is very innovative.  His abilities have definitely put a World Championship in his grasp."      When asked to describe his own style, Abas hesitates in thought for a serious answer and returns to his childhood days of being a fan of Bruce Lee.  "I was into martial arts for a while, and learned about Bruce Lee's philosophy of self-defense, always being ready to defend or attack.  When I wrestle I want to be very well rounded.  I want to be able to attack and defend from every position.  If there's position I'm not strong at then I'll learn from somebody what I should do."      Stephen Abas has one more year of wrestling for Fresno State University after the Worlds in September.  He expects to win his third NCAA title.  The California prep standout compiled a 190-10 record while winning three state titles wrestling at James Logan High school for Coach Tom Rosenthal.      Abas attributes his involvement with the sport of wrestling to his older brothers who started the family tradition.  Gerry Abas was a three time runnerup at Fresno State.  Gerry still assists with coaching at Fresno State.  Abas, who started wrestling at age seven, doesn't seemed burdened by the high expectations that go with being a World Team member.      "I've been wrestling for so long but I'm not anywhere close to being burned out by it.  I can't wait to wrestle in the Worlds.  The image that keeps coming into my head is being in my U.S.A warmup and coming through a tunnel to wrestle in Madison Square Gardens.  It is definitely going to be an honor to represent the United States.  I'm going to have a lot of fun doing it and seeing all my family and friends there to support me."      Abas knows he has the potential for a long and illustrious career at the top of his weight class.  He's been working very hard in all aspects of his training to make the most out of the opportunity to wrestle in New York.  "I'm not going to take anything for granted on this.  I don't feel the pressure being young but I do plan to be back on the World Team."      His goal of winning one World Championship is step one.  However, Abas clearly wants to engrave his name with other famed lightweights like Zeke Jones and John Smith.  "I want to be dominant for years to come.  I don't just want to win it once and leave.  I want to be the guy on top who just can't be knocked off."      Kevin Jackson, Head Freestyle Coach for USA Wrestling, sees the potential Abas has for America at the 119 pound class.  "He's so fun to watch and has a real passion for the sport.  He's making the improvements he needs to be a champion."      Abas' high intensity in the wrestling room is easy to notice.  All of the number ones in the camp are drenched by the end of practice and doubled over from the excruciating push to reach their goals in New York.  Even in the toughest moments of practice Abas still seems to be enjoying his ride on top of his weight class.      As he begins heading down the backstretch on another warm-down lap at the Olympic Training Center he throws his wet and heavy t-shirt off to the side.  As Abas strides down the backstretch squarely between the shoulder blades is an indigo ink tattoo.  The Chinese script on his back is the sign for the snake, reminiscent of the serpentine contortions Abas hits in his matches.  And, of course, that tattoo has taken on an even deeper meaning now that it is the Year of the Serpent.