C.R. teenager wins third straight football skills title

CEDAR RAPIDS - It just seemed right.

Christopher Krystofiak, 13, of Cedar Rapids, was hooked after his first athletic skills competition as an 8-year-old.

“When I started playing I really felt I wanted to keep doing this,” Krystofiak said. “I felt it was pretty fun.”

Krystofiak has had success, especially in skills competition, winning his third straight Run, Punt and Pass state championship at the UNI-Dome in Cedar Falls earlier this month. It's his fifth state title, including two Super Shooters state crowns in basketball.

Krystofiak had the fastest run, longest punt and pass in his latest victory.

“It made me fell pretty good,” Krystofiak said. “It made me get the competitiveness back.”

Krystofiak plays basketball, football and baseball, which was his first team sport also at age 8. He plans to run track this spring as well.

“For me, every time I play a sport that's my favorite,” he said. “Overall, I'd have to say baseball is my favorite.”

Krystofiak played on the C.R. Reds youth baseball team, plays club basketball and was on LaSalle's seventh-grade football team. He has a competitive streak and carries over into any type of game. He has qualified for 15 state competitions by various organizations in both basketball and football. He owns three runner-up finishes and has placed in the top five two more times.

“He hates to lose,” said Jim Krystofiak, Christopher's father. “He also has it in perspective. I've seen him compete over time, he also knows how to deal when he doesn't do as well as he thinks he should.”

His approach is focused on effort and let things play out.

“I think it's give it my best shot,” Christopher Krystofiak said, “but at the same time I have the drive to win.”

Sports has been a big part of the Krystofiak family. Both parents were college athletes and Christopher's younger sister, Mary, plays softball for the Cedar Rapids Blue Devils. It became a true family endeavor this summer. Jim, who started competing for the first time in about two decades, Christopher and Mary all participated in the Iowa Games, shooting in the free throw and Around-the-World competitions. All three earned medals.

“As time goes on we'll appreciate it even more,” said Jim Krystofiak, noting Mary has also placed in football skills events. “When the kids look back at this someday, it will mean a great deal to them.”

It might mean more with added perspective, but Jim's involvement has influenced Christopher's view of activity.

“The impression it gives me is he always wants to do something,” Christopher Krystofiak said. “He has fun doing sports.”

Jim said he marvels at the success and the versatility his son has demonstrated competing at the highest level in multiple sports. Sometimes it's against others who specialize in one arena.

“That's something you can be very proud of,” Jim said to Christopher. “You can walk away and say you're in the mix every time.”