Naperville Central junior Chris Bern, fleet of foot in 2 sports, smooths the path for 3 brothers in wrestling – Chicago Tribune

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 type 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 develop into a fixture. He reached the championship match in his weight class on the DuPage Valley Convention Event final week.

In soccer, Bern used his fingers, physique management, velocity and skill to realize yards after the catch. He had 23 receptions for 149 yards and a landing.

“Soccer and wrestling are actually related,” he stated. “Each contain a variety of robust head-to-head competitors.

“I’ve at all times been a really aggressive particular person. I’ve excessive requirements and calls for. Identical to soccer, the largest thrill I take is dealing with off towards a extremely important 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 at all times drove me and the explanation I took to the game straight away,” he stated.

Bern’s three brothers have adopted him into it. His brother Vince, a freshman, gained the convention championship at 120 kilos. Eighth grader Joshua and second grader Dominic additionally wrestle.

Vince Bern stated his older brother appears out for him and for others too.

“Chris is a brother I can at all times depend on,” Vince Bern stated. “He’s at all times there once I want it. He is identical means on the mat. He’s at all times making an attempt to assist or coach others to assist them obtain their finest.”

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 at all times has all people’s again, even after a loss. He simply offers 100% in apply 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 capacity 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 strain.

“Earlier than each match, I take heed to music or rise up and transfer round, and have a great understanding of what I’m going to do on the market,” he stated.

Bern desires to be ready for the weeks forward. Regionals can 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.