T.C. Dantzler is a throwing machine, fueled by the fans. At 74 kg/163 lbs., this Greco-Roman star can be seen in action at the 2003 U.S. National Wrestling Championships in Las Vegas, Nev. May 9-10.

"I wrestle for the crowd," said Dantzler in an interview at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colo., where he is a resident athlete.

"The crowd gets me excited and keeps me in the match. I do what I do to keep our sport exciting," he added.

Ranked No. 1 in his weight, Dantzler is well-known for his ability to lift and throw his opponents like few others. He is a sure crowd pleaser everywhere he goes. In the 2002 World Championships, Dantzler put on an intense display of action that made him a fan favorite at the event held in Moscow, Russia. A repeat performance was in store at the Titan Games this year in San Jose, Calif.

"I want people to remember me as the most exciting wrestler in the world. When the announcer calls my name, I turn and watch the whole crowd shift to my mat," said Dantzler. "That's what keeps me doing what I do," he added.

Going into the U.S. Nationals, Dantzler is spending the rest of the week resting his body and preparing his mind. He is anxious to win a first national title after placing second in 1999, 2001 and 2002. By taking first at World Team Trials last year, Dantzler is ranked No. 1 and considers himself the man to beat.

"This year, they have to go through me," he said with confidence. "And that's a good feeling."

Dantzler's toughest opponent is likely to be Keith Sieracki who had beaten Dantzler five times last year and captured the national title. Dantzler stepped up at World Team Trials and defeated Sieracki twice.

With no national titles under his belt, Dantzler is looking forward to next weekend's competition to prove himself and show the nation his true ability.

"A national title will mean a lot to me at this point. It will let me know I'm able to be consistent. I plan to show the critics I can consistently put it together, something they say I haven't been able to do in the past," commented Dantzler.

In order to make a run at the national title, Dantzler has allowed himself to be more open to change. "I'm willing to make changes to my technique if it's going to make me a better wrestler. And the coaches have been instrumental with providing input," he said.

He's strong. He's confident. And he's ready for the challenge. It's just a matter of bringing it all together when it matters most. "The biggest thing for me right now is to represent my ability. If I can do that I'll beat anyone in the world," said Dantzler.

Dantzler looks at U.S. Nationals as a stepping stone to the goal of winning a World title. He calls World Team Trials "the big dance," while U.S. Nationals are a means of getting there.

"I need to put things in perspective," said Dantzler. "I know there are things I have to do before World Championships and the Olympics. It's just a matter of staying focused and doing what I need to do."

As an Olympic hopeful, Dantzler thinks about the 2004 Games all the time. He calls it an "obsession."

"I just need to stay focused and get rid of any distractions along the way," he added.

During this week leading up to Nationals, Dantzler is taking a break. Light workouts and more time with his son, Thomas Curtis III (Tommy), will help him relax and build up an appetite for a big win in Vegas.

"I haven't been on the mat for a few days. Right now, less is more. I need to rest and take my mind off of it for awhile. That way, I'll be hungry for it when the time comes," said Dantzler.

When Dantzler's hungry and his opponents are ready, that's a show you won't want to miss.