Catalina's Zoar Morales, top, works his way toward a pin against Tucson's Angel Gomez. Morales plans to attend West Point.

Jeffry Scott / arizona daily star

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A typical day for Catalina High School wrestler Zoar Morales can include six hours of classes, a student council meeting, two hours of wrestling practice followed by a couple hours of homework and maybe some Junior ROTC training.

Worn out yet?

The energetic 18-year-old senior also plays linebacker for the Trojans' football team and runs track. He is student body president and a member of JROTC, National Honor Society and Link Crew, and is in contention for valedictorian. He is ranked No. 3 in his class.

But wrestling is Morales' first passion and he has lofty ambitions for this season.

Morales has verbally committed to attend the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y., in the fall and will wrestle for Army in the NCAA Division I Patriot League.

With so many assets contributing to his acceptance, the Star compiled the top three reasons why the state meet-caliber wrestler will succeed at West Point.

1. He's got game. The 5-foot-9-inch, 185-pound senior intimidates his wrestling opponents with his unmatched strength, his greatest advantage on the mat. To be a state champion this year, "I need to make sure I'm in the best shape I can be in and work hard at practice," said Morales, who has wrestled for only two years.

2. He wants to improve. Morales participated in two summer camps sponsored by Arizona State. Learning from collegiate superstar and first-year ASU assistant coach Brian Stith, Morales earned "some great tips on how to improve and … how to not tire yourself out."

3. He can multitask. Morales said his toughest challenge at West Point will be balancing athletics and pursuit of a degree in mechanical engineering. "Balancing it all will be tough, but I have done it in high school," Morales says. In addition to playing three sports, Morales also holds leadership positions in a variety of clubs throughout campus, supporting his school and the community alike. His favorite is Link Crew, a program geared toward freshman orientation and adjusting to life in high school.