Fans fond of competitive, fiery personalities would be well advised to turn an eye toward Bears' senior Deano Valdez.

The emotional leader of his team, Valdez amassed a 29-7 record this season and enters the state tournament intent on winning a title.

"I'm definitely going to have to wrestle the smartest I've ever wrestled," said Valdez. "I need to be on top of my game."

Asked to describe what he has learned while wrestling in high school, Valdez was frank.

"Wrestling teaches you a lot of self discipline," said Valdez. "I learned to work."

OFF THE MAT

Favorite musician: Kendrick Lamar

Favorite movie: Step Brothers

Favorite book: I Spy

Favorite TV show: Man Versus Wild

Favorite team: Colorado Rockies

Favorite athlete: Jerry Rice

Dream job: Wrestling Coach

Influential people: Parents

Historic dining partner: Martin Luther King Jr.