In the 2001 World Team Trials, Justin Ruiz made the decision to sit out the Championship Series against Garrett Lowney for religious beliefs. From that point on, Lowney had dominated their series - until this year.

Ruiz defeated Lowney in the U.S. Nationals finals, and now, the former Nebraska star will be the one who gets to sit out for two days.    TheMat.com spoke with Ruiz about what has gotten him past Lowney and his faith in the Mormon religion.

TheMat.com: You broke through this year and won a U.S. Nationals title. Are you satisfied with where your wrestling is at right now?

Ruiz: I wouldn't say I'm satisfied. I am happy with what I've done, but I want to improve and get better. That was just a stepping stone for the Trials.

TheMat.com: How big of a confidence boost was it for you to defeat Garrett Lowney, who has knocked you out of the Trials the last three years?

Ruiz: It was great being able to do that. I haven't been able to beat him since I have been back from my Mission. He is a guy I had to get past so it was great to beat him.

TheMat.com: Now that you are the hunted and not the hunter, is there anything you will do different to prepare for the Olympic Trials?

Ruiz: Not really. I guess the preparation is different since I have been here at the Training Center and not in college. I am going through the same routine I went through for U.S. Nationals.


TheMat.com: In the last year, what have you improved on the most?

Ruiz: I've gotten a lot better in par terre and the clinch. I think I have gotten a lot bigger since I moved out here. I felt so small wrestling some of the guys internationally, so I made it a point to focus and improve on that.

TheMat.com: Do you feel that being able to compete in the Pan American Games and the World Championships last year was a big turning point for you?

Ruiz: It gave me a taste of what international competition is at the Senior level. It gave me a gauge to look at where I am at right now and what I have to do to get to that higher level.

TheMat.com: In February, Garrett Lowney was sent to qualify the weight class for the U.S. for the Olympic Games. Were you offended by that decision at all?

Ruiz: I understand how things work as far as the whole process. It's kind of like a business. Before the Schultz, we knew if he beat me, he was going to go. He had the right and privilege to go do that. I'm just glad he got the weight class.

TheMat.com: A lot of wrestlers have a lot of faith, but the Mormon religion seems to bring you happiness. How has that faith helped you achieve what you have so far in your career?

Ruiz: I think it's helped me just because it gives me something besides wrestling. It gives me perspective. I realize that when I am wrestling, it is for fun. I also realize that other members of the church may look at me as an example.

TheMat.com: Your brother Brandon moved out to Colorado Springs as well. How important has it been to have him training with you?

Ruiz: It's been really great to have him out here. It's made it more fun. We worked out a lot together when we were kids. He gives me the motivation that I need to work hard and to do well. I don't know if things would be the same if he wasn't out here. It's just great having family around.

TheMat.com: You recently made the decision to not return to Nebraska to complete your college career. Why?

Ruiz: I enjoyed college wrestling, but I've just had enough of it. I didn't see wrestling in college helping me to succeed on the international level with Greco. College definitely has its benefits.