Eastside Catholic Crusaders senior defensive back Duncan Heger is an old school kind of player who enjoys physical contact on the gridiron.

The hard-hitting safety isn’t only a football player, he’s been one of the best wrestlers on the Eastside Catholic wrestling team over the past three seasons. Heger advanced to the Mat Classic state wrestling tournament in 2016 and 2017. Heger believes the skills he’s learned on the mat since the eighth grade has paid off on the football field as well.

“It has definitely helped with tackling and understanding people’s body movements and body control. It has helped me in those big time moments to where I do things and I’m not even thinking about it,” he said of the benefits of wrestling.

The Crusaders, who won Class 3A state championships in 2014 and 2015, are determined to get back on top after losing in the Class 3A state semifinals to Kamiakin last November.

“That’s what we are working for,” Heger said of a state title. “We’ve been lifting, running and getting in as many workouts every day. We’re definitely hungry. We’re ready to get after it.”

Recently, the Issaquah/Sammamish Reporter had an opportunity to ask Heger a few questions about his life away from the football field.

Issaquah/Sammamish Reporter: What is your favorite movie of all time?

Duncan Heger: “The Dark Knight” (Batman). I love Heath Ledger’s performance in that movie.

ISR: What is your biggest pet peeve?

DH: People not giving all of their effort in something.

ISR: What is something unique about you that nobody would know?

DH: I’m really interested in wrestling.

ISR: What is your favorite restaurant in Sammamish?

DH: Nasai Teriyaki. I love the fried rice with steak.

ISR: How many text messages do you send per day?

DH: Not a lot. I send under 100 texts per day.

ISR: What kind of music are you listening to the most in your iPod right now?

DH: Rap music. I like listening to a group called Brockhampton.