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Back in the day, Garcia was an All-Pacific League linebacker for San Gabriel High School,
San Gabriel, California, where he averaged 13 tackles a game his senior year, a season in
which 67 of his current teammates were not even born yet. He then went on to East Los Angeles
College, Monterey Park, California, (1981-82) where he played linebacker for the Huskies.
Now he is married, has three sons, and plays nose tackle for the Cougars. The change in
position and evolution of playing techniques have forced him to relearn the game. "It's like
riding a bike-it all starts coming back," Garcia explained. "But this time, the bike has different
wheels."
While it is safe to assume that the 6'-2", 240-pound defensive lineman has lost a step or two
since he last played, what he lacks in speed he more than makes up for in dedication and leadership.
"Ben has been an excellent leader to our younger players," said Peter Shinnick, head Cougar football
coach. "He does everything that we've asked of him. Even though he is not in our starting rotation,
he has been on our scout team working against the number one offense and has played every play like it's a
real game."
"Ben is a quiet leader," David Leary '04 said. "He leads by example, working really hard on every drill.
He may have an older body, but he doesn't act like it." Age has its drawbacks nonetheless. Bones break easier
for one. Garcia broke his thumb in a practice shortly before the season opener. He kept practicing, however.
"The doctor said that he should take four to five weeks off," Shinnick said.
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"But Ben said that he wanted to keep practicing and stay with the team. He didn't have to do that, but he
wants to help the team any way he can."
"People say I'm crazy for getting all banged up out there at my age.
I believe that much of aging is in your mind-you can do a lot more than
you think," Garcia said.
Garcia has no agenda, no NFL dreams, no contract hopes. He only wants to play ball again. Having that goal
frees Garcia up to be a leader and to model sportsmanship for his teammates. "If I can contribute
something to the team, then so be it. There aren't many scouts looking to draft a 38-year-old lineman," said
Garcia.
"Ben has no ego and really puts the team first," Shinnick said. "He's very unselfish and wants nothing more
then for the team to do well."
"A player asked me how I can take orders from someone younger than me," Garcia said. "I told him that I
understand the chain of command." For seven years Garcia has served as a staff sergeant in the California Military
Reserve where taking orders is part of the job. "I know that coach is looking out for us, trying to teach us how
to do what we need to do."
In actuality, it is more than an itch Garcia feels each August to get out on the football field. It is the
desire to see past the pain and bruises, to the camaraderie of a team, and belong to something that is much more
than him alone.
"He is a great competitor," Shinnick said, "who is out here truly for the love of football."
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