Prep stars: John Ponce, wrestling

● The lowdown: After first reaching the state tournament in his sophomore year, Ponce continued to develop as a formidable opponent in the 2004-2005 season. Ponce placed second in Class 5A regional competition and captured a state title in the 160-pound freestyle division. Ponce has high hopes for his senior season after taking first in the Lake Havasu Invitational and the Mountain View Duals — he went 8-0 at his team's tournament. Combining a strong start to the season and senior experience, Ponce said he hopes to take state in his senior year. "I really think I can win regional and state this year. (The duals) were a confidence booster," he said.

● It runs in the family: As a second-generation wrestler, Ponce has big shoes to fill. His father, John Sr., and two uncles hold their own places in the state wrestling history books. His father and uncles earned three state championships and one second-place finish during their careers at San Manuel High School. And Ponce's younger brother, Tony, continues the family tradition, wrestling for Mountain View in the 130-pound class. "I wouldn't be where I am now if it weren't for my dad and uncles," John Jr. said.

● Favorite movie: An avid Brad Pitt fan, Ponce nominates "Fight Club" and "Seven."

● Favorite TV show: "Family Guy"

● Favorite athlete: Ponce said he idolizes Iowa wrestling guru and 1972 Olympic gold medalist Dan Gable. Although Gable was virtually unknown outside the wrestling community, he is the epitome of dedication and excellence in American athletics. Before taking gold in Munich, Gable compiled an unprecedented 182-1 record in high school and collegiate competition.

● Academia: Naturally excelling in mathematics, Ponce completed all of his high school math requirements, including honors pre-Calculus, before starting his senior year. Currently keeping himself busy with chemistry, he hopes to put his affinity for numbers to good use by venturing into accounting or auditing.

● Making weight: As the season approaches, Ponce generally starts dieting as early as two months before the first practice. "I'd usually have a cheeseburger and fries, but now it's boneless/skinless chicken breasts and rice with some green tea," he said.

● Going the extra mile: For Ponce, wrestling is a year-round sport. Beyond in-season practice, he said he uses the off-season to focus on weight training and muscle growth. His summers usually involve daily full-body workouts such as power-cleans and lunges. During the season, he focuses on flexibility and agility with plyometrics and high-repetition, low-weight training. "Running is definitely an important part of it," Ponce said. During the season, he pushes his body to the limit, generally running two or three miles after practice, and at least four miles on his off days.

● Pump-up music: Before a match Ponce gets his adrenaline pumping with the new album "Alaska" by North Carolina- based hardcore-metal fusion quintet Between the Buried and Me.

● What about college? Ponce is weighing his options, though he has yet to take the SATs. He would like to attend the UA, but the Wildcats' lack of a wrestling program has forced him to look out of the state. "I'd like to wrestle in college," he said, "but I'd be happy just to go to school."