Brack Duvall could be described in many ways, but "jock" isn't one of them.

Duvall, a senior wrestler at Damien, has a 4.0 GPA and has already been accepted to Wes Point. Additionally, he teamed with fellow Damien senior, Chris Ballesteros, to win the 2007 State Public Forum Debate Championship and the pair finished in the top 20 at the National Forensic League Championships last summer in Wichita, Kansas.

He's not too bad on the mat either.

Duvall, a captain for the Monarchs, has compiled a 16-7 record this season heading into next weekend's Interscholastic League of Honolulu Championships at Punahou.

But it's his "knowledge beyond his years" that separates Duvall from other 17-year olds, said Damien coach Lawrence Kahakui.

"He's very intelligent," said Kahakui. "He brings more than the average wrestler, than the average student."

Duvall first took up wrestling as a sophomore in North Carolina.

"Originally, I wanted to do it to keep in shape between baseball and soccer, which are fall and spring sports on the mainland," said Duvall. "I got really interested in wrestling and stuck with it as my only sport."

Duvall, who competes at 140 pounds, qualified for last year's state tournament, but was eliminated on the first day. His "disappointment" fueled an offseason of improvement.

"I found it really unique getting to go to states in the Blaisdell, but this year I hope to place and get a medal."

Kahakui, who has 10 of his 14 wrestlers on the Honor Roll, sees similarities in the approach Duvall takes in speech and debate as well as wrestling.

"When he's getting ready for debate, it's just like a shark going for fresh meat," said Kahakui. "He just has so much intensity. He wasn't the best wrestler, but he watches and studies his opponents. He'll say, 'This guy is stronger or this guy is faster or his technique is flawless,' but he finds a weakness and attacks it."

Duvall is also senior class vice president, a member of the Pacific Asian Affairs Council, National Honor Society and a volunteer at St. Theresa's Elementary School.

"He knows how to divide his time," said Kahakui. "He is such a good planner and he gives 100 percent all the time."

Duvall says he doesn't get overwhelmed.

"I think I actually feed off of it," he said. "I don't have much free time, but I enjoy it because it feels like I'm making a difference."

Kahakui agreed: "This team is probably closer than the other four years I've been at Damien. They're a lot more cohesive. Brack has brought that all together."

Despite all of his academic success, it's on the mat where Duvall feels most comfortable.

"Wrestling is more individual and centered around you for the six minutes," he said. "It's all about you and your strengths against your opponents."

Duvall must place in the top four of the ILH Championships to qualify for the state tournament.

One thing is certain: He will be prepared at all costs.

"Through determination and hard work you can accomplish whatever you set your mind to," he said. "Preparation truly is the key to success, whether it's working harder than your opponent or looking up more evidence for your debate."

Although his academic rigors are demanding for any student, Duvall's compassion is his best asset says Kahakui.

"He's not only smart in class, but when he sees a student and a fellow wrestler that needs help in his classes — even AP classes — he goes out of his way to help them," said Kahakui. "He has a lot of insight as far as politics, sports, Hawai'i and he's gotten them to open their minds, not only what they're taught in class, but what they're taught in life. He's very open, very caring, very understanding. And he never belittles anyone."

Duvall, who would like to pursue a career in military aviation, has been accepted to West Point and is waiting on the Air Force Academy. Duvall's father is a colonel in the Air Force.

"I've seen the lifestyle that he lives and it's a good one that I'd like to pursue in my own life," he said.

But then again, just one career may leave Duvall with more to desire.

"I believe I've always just been a very competitive person," said Duvall. "It's always a new match when you step on the mat and you've got to give it your all."

Reach Kalani Takase at ktakase@honoluluadvertiser.com.