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Latest crown keeps Gutches on track By KRIS HENRY An eye on closing out his wrestling career in style nearly cost Les Gutches his fifth straight U.S. Nationals title. The former South Medford High standout doesn't plan on making the same mistake any time soon. Gutches, who is focusing all his attention on the 2000 Olympics, is in the final stretch of realizing his dream and doesn't intend to let anything stand in his way. "This is it," Gutches says, repeating his desire to hang up his singlet following the Olympics. "I don't want to have to look back and say I didn't do it the way I wanted to do it." Gutches, 27, earned a 3-0 decision over Charles Burton at the U.S. National Freestyle Wrestling Tournament in Las Vegas April 21-22. Although the duo's matches have typically been close, Gutches says he felt a bit distracted with his Olympic dream so close to being realized. "I had some close matches and didn't exactly wrestle up to maybe the level I've wrestled before," he says. "But I got it done. The important thing is getting the first spot at the Olympic trials. That was my goal." The Olympic Team Trials will be held June 22-24 in Dallas, and Gutches plans to use the near two-month break to refocus his energy and let various bumps and bruises heal. He has spent the past year honing his skills at the Olympic training site in Colorado. "I'm just trying to make sure I peak for the Olympic trials and set myself up for the Olympics," says Gutches, who placed seventh at the 1996 Olympic Games. "I just want to get to the Olympics so I can go get that gold medal." Winning his fifth straight U.S. Nationals title offers Gutches a huge advantage over those trying to take his spot in the Olympics. Others in the 85 kilogram (187.25 pounds) weight class will have to claw through four rounds before facing Gutches in the best-of-three series final. "Whoever makes it there is not going to be fresh, that's for sure," says Gutches, adding that his finals opponent could be any of a number of wrestlers. Burton has found his way into Gutches' path on numerous occasions, so a potential rematch of the Nationals final is the most likely scenario. The main difference at the Olympics stands to be Gutches' level of intensity. Following his recent win over Burton, Gutches said he had trouble getting motivated for the nationals since he had been looking ahead to the Olympic finals. Motivation won't be a concern in Dallas, he says, or down the road in the Salt Lake City Games, should he make it there. "There's that sense that it's going to be my last show probably," he says. "The Olympics only comes around every four years, so this is it for me. "I'm just looking to make it so I can come back to Oregon a happy man." He's already ensured he will come back a winner. The U.S. Nationals will be broadcast on ESPN 2 on May 15 from 10:30-11:30 p.m. and also May 23 from 10-11 a.m. Today's Edition : News | Sports | Business | Weather | Tempo | Classifieds Mail Tribune Copyright � The Mail Tribune 2000, Medford, Oregon USA