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Naperville Central junior Chris Bern prefers the standing begin.
A receiver in soccer, Bern is fast, explosive and extremely technical as a 152-pound wrestler.
“My model is to be very aggressive,” he stated. “I’m a shooter, and I like to wrestle from my toes and shoot.”
Bern (22-14), who was out and in of the Redhawks’ beginning lineup final season, has grow to be a fixture. He reached the championship match in his weight class on the DuPage Valley Convention Match final week.
In soccer, Bern used his palms, physique management, velocity and skill to achieve yards after the catch. He had 23 receptions for 149 yards and a landing.
“Soccer and wrestling are actually related,” he stated. “Each contain lots of robust head-to-head competitors.
“I’ve all the time been a really aggressive individual. I’ve excessive requirements and calls for. Identical to soccer, the largest thrill I take is going through off in opposition to a extremely vital or proficient opponent.”
When Bern was a child, he stated his grandfather took him to a youth wrestling program. Bern loved the game instantly.
“The problem is what all the time drove me and the explanation I took to the game immediately,” he stated.
Bern’s three brothers have adopted him into it. His brother Vince, a freshman, received the convention championship at 120 kilos. Eighth grader Joshua and second grader Dominic additionally wrestle.
Vince Bern stated his older brother seems out for him and for others too.
“Chris is a brother I can all the time depend on,” Vince Bern stated. “He’s all the time there after I want it. He is identical method on the mat. He’s all the time making an attempt to assist or coach others to assist them obtain their greatest.”
Different teammates discover Chris Bern’s dedication.
“Chris is particular due to his angle towards his teammates and the game,” Naperville Central junior Tyler Martin stated. “He all the time has everyone’s again, even after a loss. He simply provides 100% in observe and all of his matches.”
Chris Bern credit his energy and velocity for his success on the mat. Vince Bern highlighted his older brother’s skill to outlast opponents.
“Chris has a psychological toughness that’s simply above everybody else, on or off the mat,” Vince Bern stated.
Chris Bern is also unfazed by stress.
“Earlier than each match, I hearken to music or rise up and transfer round, and have understanding of what I’m going to do on the market,” he stated.
Bern desires to be ready for the weeks forward. Regionals might be held Feb. 4.
“I’m a two-time convention champ on the decrease ranges, and now a runner-up, and a state qualifier within the youth program,” he stated. “I’ve one focus, and that’s advancing to sectionals and hopefully to the state competitors.”
Patrick Z. McGavin is a contract reporter for the Naperville Solar.