He's a three-time state wrestling champion going for his fourth title, but Saint Louis School senior Brandon Low says there's more to him than sports.

"It's important to be balanced," he said. "I don't want to excel in just one part of my life."

Brandon has been recognized for his success beyond athletics. He was one of two students named Hawai'i's winners of the 2005 Wendy's High School Heisman Award, which honors students who exemplify a well-rounded "citizen-scholar-athlete."

During wrestling season, which began this week and will run through the first week of March, Brandon puts in about 2 1/2 hours of practice a day.

He spends even more time on homework to keep on top of his advanced placement and honors courses and has a 4.11 grade- point average.

He usually has about three hours of homework a day, but manages to squeeze it all in using his off-periods at school, lunch breaks, the early morning hours or even breaks during wrestling practice to hit the books. "There's always free time for me," he said.

There is also time for him to be an active participant in school. He is student body vice president, a member of the National Honor Society and a member of the Interact Club, which focuses on community service.

He has worked for the Hawai'i Foodbank, participated in the Men's March Against Violence for Women, done various clean-ups and beautification projects and even helped preschoolers celebrate Halloween.

He also tutors other students after school.

Brandon stays well rounded to boost his chances of achieving his post-high school goals. "It looks good for college and I want to be good in everything I do," he said.

He hopes to get into a four-year university on the West Coast. He'll continue wrestling in college, but after that he plans to focus on his career, which might be in pediatrics or business.

"I just want to have a good job so I can supply for my family," he said.

Dean of the Saint Louis Upper School said he nominated Brandon for the Heisman award because "we believe it's important to celebrate success in all facets of life. The Wendy's High School Heisman is the ultimate way to showcase students' diverse achievements for all to see."

Brandon started wrestling at age 7, getting involved in the sport after he and his father learned how it was similar to the judo lessons he was already taking. "I tried it when I was very young and I stuck with it," he said.

Reach Treena Shapiro at tshapiro@honoluluadvertiser.com.