Cedar Rapids Kennedy’s Brent Bercerra focused to make most of senior wrestling season

CEDAR RAPIDS – Brent Bercerra possesses an appreciation for wrestling.

The Cedar Rapids Kennedy senior already owned a fervor for the sport that has intensified after a broken collarbone robbed him of last season. He doesn’t dwell on the loss. The focus is making the most of his final campaign.

“It was just a bad time,” the Cougars 126-pounder said. “I can’t do anything about it so I just have to utilize the time I have left.”

Bercerra scored 10 points in the final period to claim one of nine victories in the Cougars’ 44-27 non-conference dual win over Newton during Military Appreciation Night on Tuesday at Kennedy. He secured his 12 th win of the season.

“It felt pretty great,” Bercerra said of the 16-12 decision over Kaiden Rogers. “I kind of just pushed through.”

Bercerra’s furious finish was preceded by a slow start. Rogers used a takedown and four nearfall in the first and added three more nearfall for an 11-2 lead in the second. Bercerra started his comeback with a reverse and nearfall before the last period.

Bercerra scored two takedowns in the third, putting Rogers on his back for four nearfall and holding him there until time expired.

“I know he was tired and no one can really keep up with my pace,” Bercerra said. “I knew I could get through it and get my points.”

Confidence remained high, despite the deficit. Kennedy Coach Nick LeClere said Becerra will always keep firing.

“He is scrappy,” LeClere said. “He doesn’t quit. He fights the whole time. I love watching him wrestle. He gives me a little bit of a heart attack at times but he does some stuff we can’t coach. He learns those positions, scrambles and fights.”

Bercerra has his sights set on qualifying for state and making the awards stand. He also aspires to wrestle in college. Bercerra is driven by his enthusiasm and work ethic.

“I enjoy the sport,” Bercerra said. “I enjoy the passion of the sport. I continue to fight every single day.”

Kennedy (1-4) has battled injury and illness this season. The Cougars have responded and came off a strong week of practice to close the holiday break. Many embraced the challenge Tuesday.

“We’re asking young and inexperienced guys to step up in some tough spots,” LeClere said. “They’re responding and wrestling hard through some tough situations. That’s all we can ask out of them there.”

Heavyweight Anthony Keys opened the dual with a decision. Grahm Burkert (113) and Max Panosh (120) added a decision and pin before Bercerra’s decision, giving Kennedy a 15-3 advantage.

Kennedy extended its lead to 27-9 after consecutive pins from Aidyn Roman (138) and 144-pounder Jake Oostendorp, who made his season debut after being sidelined by injury suffered in the season finale in football.

Inexperienced starters helped secure the win. Anthony Zachar, who is just a couple months into wrestling, tallied six takedowns for a 23-8 technical fall at 165, making it 32-21 with three matches left.

Logan Clark (175) and Zach Stuefen (190) wrestled their first varsity bouts for the Cougars and recorded falls to pull away from the Cardinals.

“The main this is young kids getting opportunities, forced into opportunities due to injuries, sickness and this and that, stepped up,” LeClere said. “That’s what won us the dual.”

AT C.R. KENNEDY

C.R. Kennedy 44, Newton 27

(Individual takedowns in parentheses)

Hwt. - Anthony Keys (CRK) dec. Coleby Revell, 7-1 (2,0); 106 - Kent Montgomery (N) dec. Kylan Walsh, 4-0 (1,0); 113 - Grahm Burkert (CRK) dec. Abel Aldama, 16-10 (3,2); 120 - Max Panosh (CRK) pinned J’Kwon Williamson, 1:13 (1,0); 126 - Brent Bercerra (CRK) dec. Kaiden Rogers, 16-12 (2,1); 132 - Zander Robson (N) pinned Hayden Kirkpatrick, :56 (1,0); 138 - Aidyn Roman (CRK) pinned Sebastian Sorenson, 2:58 (2,0); 144 - Jake Oostendorp (CRK) pinned Konner Jimenez, 1:13 (1,0); 150 - Aiden Robson (N) pinned Landon Schnepp, 3:04 (2,1); 157 - Lane Rozendaal (N) pinned Andrew Campbell, 1:07 (1,0); 165 - Anthony Zachar (CRK) tech. fall Ayden Hummel, 23-8 (6,1); 175 - Logan Clark (CRK) pinned Deshawn Boclaire, 3:59 (3,0); 190 - Zach Stuefen (CRK) pinned Trevor Manka, 1:23 (1,0); 215 - Nick Milburn (N) pinned Isaiah Smith, 5:43 (0,0)

MEET STATISTICS

Takedowns: C.R. Kennedy 22, Newton 9. Reversals: C.R. Kennedy 3, Newton 3. Escapes: C.R. Kennedy 7, Newton 14. Nearfall points: C.R. Kennedy 21, Newton 7. Penalty points (awarded): C.R. Kennedy 2, Newton 0. Total match points: C.R. Kennedy 102, Newton 54.

Comments: kj.pilcher@thegazette.com