Naperville Central junior Chris Bern prefers the standing start.
A receiver in football, Bern is quick, explosive and highly technical as a 152-pound wrestler.
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“My style is to be very aggressive,” he said. “I am a shooter, and I love to wrestle from my feet and shoot.”
Bern (22-14), who was in and out of the Redhawks’ starting lineup last season, has become a fixture. He reached the championship match in his weight class at the DuPage Valley Conference Tournament last week.
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In football, Bern used his hands, body control, speed and ability to gain yards after the catch. He had 23 receptions for 149 yards and a touchdown.
“Football and wrestling are really similar,” he said. “Both involve a lot of tough head-to-head competition.
“I have always been a very competitive person. I have high standards and demands. Just like football, the biggest thrill I take is facing off against a really critical or talented opponent.”
When Bern was a kid, he said his grandfather took him to a youth wrestling program. Bern enjoyed the sport immediately.
“The challenge is what always drove me and the reason I took to the sport right away,” he said.
Bern’s three brothers have followed him into it. His brother Vince, a freshman, won the conference championship at 120 pounds. Eighth grader Joshua and second grader Dominic also wrestle.
Vince Bern said his older brother looks out for him and for others too.
“Chris is a brother I can always count on,” Vince Bern said. “He is always there when I need it. He is the same way on the mat. He is always trying to help or coach others to help them achieve their best.”
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Other teammates notice Chris Bern’s commitment.
“Chris is special because of his attitude toward his teammates and the sport,” Naperville Central junior Tyler Martin said. “He always has everybody’s back, even after a loss. He just gives 100% in practice and all of his matches.”
Chris Bern credits his strength and speed for his success on the mat. Vince Bern highlighted his older brother’s ability to outlast opponents.
“Chris has a mental toughness that is just above everyone else, on or off the mat,” Vince Bern said.
Chris Bern also is unfazed by pressure.
“Before every match, I listen to music or get up and move around, and have a good understanding of what I am going to do out there,” he said.
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Bern wants to be prepared for the weeks ahead. Regionals will be held Feb. 4.
“I am a two-time conference champ at the lower levels, and now a runner-up, and a state qualifier in the youth program,” he said. “I have one focus, and that is advancing to sectionals and hopefully to the state competition.”
Patrick Z. McGavin is a freelance reporter for the Naperville Sun.
