All bets were off at the 2002 NAIA National Wrestling Championships, as numerous seeded athletes were upset by unheralded opponents all weekend. No athlete better captured the spirit of this volatile tournament than unseeded Dustin Zahursky of Lindenwood, who came out of the pack to capture the national title at 174 pounds.    This year, only two No. 1 seeded wrestlers claimed NAIA titles. However, three unseeded athletes qualified for the gold medal match. Zahursky's gold-medal march was a true inspiration to all wrestlers who believe in themselves, in spite of long odds.    On his way to the title, Zahursky won five matches in dominant fashion. He pinned two of his opponents and in each of his three decisions, he won by a comfortable six-point margin. His victims included the No. 2, No. 4 and No. 7 seeds, as well as two unseeded rivals.    There must be an interesting story if an athlete who was not even considered among the top eight in his weight class was able to thrash all of rivals and emerge as the best athlete in the nation. In Zahursky's case, his problem coming into the event was not skill or desire. Rather, it all had to do with injuries.    After choosing Lindenwood as his college choice, Zahursky has been sidelined most of his career. He missed two full seasons with a crippling back injury. Although he is a senior in his academic life, Zahursky is only in his second year of athletic eligibility due to his injury.    "He has phenomenal talent, and was a fantastic high school wrestler," said Lindenwood coach Joe Parisi. "He has been ranked during the two years that he competed. It's just one of those things."    Zahursky decided to keep at his wrestling career, even when others may have decided to give in to the injury and hang up the Asics for good. Even when his body was not functioning properly, Zahursky kept his focus on working out as much as he could, and waiting for the chance when his back might allow him to get back into action.    "I have been in shape all of my life," said Zahursky. "I love fitness. It has been my dream to continue wrestling."    Coach Parisi credits Zahursky's dedication and self-confidence for helping him through the tough times when it seemed like the injury might beat him for good.    "His mental toughness and intensity is what carried him over," said Parisi. "He has an ailment, and it has hurt him. He knew he could fight through it."    Even this year has been a physical challenge for Zahursky. He started the season with high hopes but suffered a herniated disc and missed large portions of the schedule. He was in and out of the lineup all season. In fact, Zahursky was only able to train at full speed for about three weeks prior to the national tournament.    "We questioned whether we'd carry him through, and allow him to compete here," said Parisi. "We knew he had the opportunity to win, if he could just get past the injuries. We decided to let him go for it. We knew that he is so mentally tough."    Parisi said that Zahursky was pumped up for the competition, and had total belief that he could beat anybody. Once on the mat, feeling healthy and motivated, Zahursky was truly in "the zone."    In the finals, Zahursky drew No. 4 Kyle Fisher of Montana State-Northern. They had competed during a high school meet in Montana, and Zahursky had a tough time in the bout. This time, Lindenwood and MSU-Northern were in a tight battle for the team title, and Zahursky's match was very important. This time, Zahursky made sure things came out in his favor.    The match was won on the feet, as Zahursky scored a takedown in every period. His points came from four takedowns, as well as almost two minutes of riding time. When the match was over, with Zahursky emerging with a 9-3 triumph, all of the pain and frustration melted away into pure joy.    "I knew this was revenge," said Zahursky. "I had to win. He is a friend of our family. I respect him but I had to take him down."    After Zahursky's match, the Lindenwood athletes and coaches celebrated together near the corner of the arena. Lindenwood had won its first national team title, and Zahursky had defeated the injury that had kept him from reaching his dreams.    Zahursky is not sure about his wrestling future. When he graduates, he will still have athletic eligibility available. Even if Zahursky decides not to continue with his career or his back does not allow him to compete again, his national title is something that can never be taken away.    "It is all mental," said Zahursky. "I have accomplished my goal of a team and individual national championship. I felt like I was born to do this."