Iowa's Nathan Burak wrestles with a strong faith

IOWA CITY — Nathan Burak witnessed the connection between faith and sports at a young age.

He attended camps held by his father, Steve Burak, working for the Christian organization Athletes In Action. It was during these experiences that he encountered champion wrestlers like John and Ben Peterson, testifying how their lives on and off the mat were influenced by their convictions.

Those lessons continue to shape him today as a two-time All-American and senior leader for University of Iowa coaches Tom and Terry Brands and the second-ranked Hawkeyes.

'It was a big part of growing up,' said Burak, a Colorado native that won a state title at Coronado High School in Colorado Springs, Colo. 'I was really blessed to see how your faith and sport can come together. A big thing I've been learning from my coaches Terry and Tom is to realize that your faith and sport can combine.'

Burak has merged academics, athletics and spirituality in a successful career at Iowa. He placed seventh and eighth the last two NCAA tournaments, earned academic all-Big Ten honors twice and was a Big Ten Sportsmanship honoree as a freshman in the same year he made the dean's list.

While many athletes gesture and use religious phrases as calling cards or catchphrases, Burak finds guidance through faith, promoting an all-around championship lifestyle.

'It's a huge part of my life,' Burak said. 'I'm going to work hard in practices and in classes, realizing that it has an impact. You want to talk the talk and walk the walk, too. For me, it has a big impact on my motivation, what motivates me and the hard times it helps me to keep working hard, even when the coaches aren't looking, and stay focused in the classroom, making good choices in downtown and stuff like that.'

Burak said people try to compartmentalize the different aspects of life, but they are unified for him. By using his gifts on the mat, whether it's practice or competition, he can worship just as much that way than Sunday services.

'It's one category when your priority is lifestyle,' Tom Brands said. 'His faith, wrestling and being a good guy is one pie for him. It's not separate issues. He exemplifies that at the highest level.'

The demands of Division-I athletics and school work can force some to make sacrifices. Burak has maintained his focus in each aspect of his life.

'I think it makes a difference,' Burak said. 'On the team, you want to be a leader in how you live your life in academics, how you treat your girlfriend, how you go downtown, because all that stuff can really affect how you perform in the wrestling room, too.'

Burak remains active in Bible study groups and faith-based organizations on campus. Both parents, Steve and Bonnie Burak, worked with Athletes In Action and instilled the values that have helped him grow mentally in the Hawkeye practice room.

'His family raised him to be very accountable,' Brands said. 'He owns things and in the last three and a half years he's had on campus he has grown up tremendously. Where in the past, he'd look at you funny because maybe he wasn't used to hearing some of the things that were hard-hitting. Now, he owns it so he gets forward quicker, meaning he moves past things quicker. It's not like a personal attack on him like maybe the first year and a half or so.'

During his time at Iowa, he has forged a relationship with former Iowa All-American Brooks Simpson, who entered ministry work after college. Burak meets with him often and has considered a similar path when he's done competing.

Simpson said Burak is as consistent off the mat as he is one it, showing solid character through his faith.

'He's not shy about that but he also isn't obnoxious about it either,' Simpson said. 'He has the respect of his teammates and coaches. He's just a natural leader (and) a great kid.'

His brothers, Gabe and Micah, also made a major impact as well. Gabe Burak wrestled for North Colorado and Micah Burak competed at Penn. The oldest Burak brother is a teacher in Colorado, while Micah Burak is training at the United States Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colo.

Burak tries to talk to each every week, gaining insight on wrestling and daily experiences.

'They had a big influence on me,' Nathan Burak said. 'They both wrestled at the D-I level, so I knew what too expect. They can still help me and give me advice.'

Over the years, Burak found peace in a verse from 2 Timothy 1-7. The message of love and power helped him quash nerves as a freshman and provides focus before bouts now. Burak has recorded his best start as a Hawkeye, going 14-0 before Friday's match against Wisconsin at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wis. He has eight bonus-point victories, including two pins, two technical falls and four major decisions.

He is applying his knowledge in competition, expanding his arsenal of attacks.

'He's been able to build leads and do things that we ask of our guys,' Brands said. 'It's been a progression that you've seen in a guy like Brandon Sorensen.'

Burak is ranked third nationally and has his sights set on an NCAA title. He said he understands the importance of doing everything right from here until the end of the season, eating right, sleeping well, training and competing hard. Each match will affect the postseason.

'This is what the season is all about,' said Burak, noting that the focus is on the conference tournament and national competitions. 'You realize that you don't have much time and that each day makes a difference.'

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