EAGLE OF THE WEEK: Jesse Stafford
Del Oro High’s top returning wrestler is ranked No. 1 in the state at 152 pounds. Now 12-2, Stafford won the Zinkin Classic in Clovis last month and finished second to a two-time state champion from Idaho – a wrestler ranked third nationally in Stafford’s weight class – at last week’s Sierra Nevada Classic in Reno.1. What do you like best about the sport you currently compete in? It’s all on YOU. Whether you win or lose, there's no one else to blame.2. What is one sport that you've always wanted to try? Professional ping pong.3. What is your favorite subject in school and why? Math, because it all fits together and makes sense.4. What is your favorite pregame meal? Chocolate milk and a half a bagel.5. Do you have any pregame rituals? If so, what are they? Sleep, then warm up 6. What was your best moment in sports? Your worst? Best: Beating the No. 6 nationally ranked kid at (last year’s Sac-Joaquin Section) divisionals. Worst: Losing to the same kid by fifteen points the year before in the Masters (tournament) finals7. What do you enjoy doing most outside of school and why? Wakeboarding in the summer. Great fun, great tan.8. What individual, outside of your parents, has made the greatest impact on your life? What have you learned from this person? My brother. He taught me to work hard and have integrity.9. What is your dream job? Flying jets.10. Do you have any pets? Dog – Kiku. Cat – Captain Insano.11. Who is your personal hero/favorite athlete and why? Henry Cejudo. He came from nowhere, outworked everyone and became an Olympic champion.12. If you could invite four people to dinner, who would they be and why? What would you serve? My family – I love to be around them. I’d serve takeout – I'm not the cooking type.13. What is a talent your friends would be surprised to learn you have? I play the piano.14. What’s your favorite quote of all time? “Prior proper planning prevents piss-poor performance.”15. What national or world issue do you care most about? If you could do anything to address it, what would it be? Terrorism. Do what's necessary to protect our country.