Cedar Rapids Prairie’s Conner Bistricky transformed hard work into improvement on the wrestling mat

Cedar Rapids Prairie senior Conner Bistricky started to wrestle in seventh grade.

The multisport athlete heard it would develop skills for football, which he began as early as fourth grade. The more he took to the mat the more wrestling became his favorite sport.

“I was told it would help with defense,” Bistricky said of wrestling. “I started doing it more and more. I found out I really liked it.

“Football is a team thing but I like how in wrestling you have to be better for yourself to be good for yourself and the team in competition. I’d put wrestling as my No. 1 sport.”

Bistricky has made consistent improvement each season and is focused on making his final postseason his best. Prairie heads to Norwalk Saturday for a Class 3A district boys wrestling tournament. The top three finishers at each weight advance to the state tournament Feb. 18-21 at Casey’s Center in Des Moines.

Bistricky’s evolvement has been impressive, going from freshman reserve to a losing varsity record as a sophomore to a state qualifier with 29 victories last season. He is ranked ninth with a 34-10 record at 215 pounds.

"He is as dependable as it gets,” Prairie Coach Derick Ball said. “He doesn’t miss. Doesn’t miss a practice. Doesn’t miss a competition. Early on I think he was just there to be there. Then he realized that he was pretty good and started to become more coachable."

Ball said Bistricky hit the weight room, growing into the weight class. Bistricky said he devoted more time to offseason camps and wrestling tournaments with out-of-state competition. His nose has been firmly pressed to the grindstone.

“I’ve worked hard and focused on getting better,” Bistricky said. “Get 1 percent better every day. Just staying there mentally and making sure I’m doing what I’m supposed to do on and off the mat.”

Bistricky and Ball have recognized a good gauge for his improvement. He has multiple wins over opponents who has beaten him in the past, finishing in the top three at the Mississippi Valley Conference Super Meet for the first time. Tangible evidence of the gains made.

“It feels really good to beat them and know that I’m getting better,” Bistricky said. “Getting to know that I’m getting better to reach that podium-level and compete with high-level kids.”

Being flexible and adaptable to his opponents has been key. Some like to throw, some attack legs and others are defensive. Bistricky said he adjusts and figures out what works best in each situation. Ball points to his grittiness.

"He is athletic and a grinder,” Ball said. “Tough kid that stays in your face.”

Bistricky has his sights set on the award stand in Des Moines. He said he has to reach one of the top-three steps Saturday. His mental approach and trust in his coaches will be crucial for the desired finish.

“I’d like to place,” Bistricky said. “That’s definitely my goal. I have to qualify first.”

In other 3A districts, Cedar Rapids Jefferson, Cedar Rapids Kennedy will wrestle in a district hosted by Iowa City High. Linn-Mar travels to Ankeny, while Cedar Rapids Xavier and Iowa City West go to Bettendorf.

Iowa City Liberty, Marion and Western Dubuque were assigned to Cedar Falls. Cedar Rapids Washington and Clear Creek Amana wrestle at Marshalltown.

In 2A, Alburnett and Mount Vernon compete in a district hosted by Ballard. It is the third straight year the Pirates have been sent a couple hours from home for the postseason.

“I don’t mind at all,” Alburnett Coach Clayton Rush said. “I think they’re just trying to make the best state tournament as possible when they look at things to begin the year, trying to get teams to the right places for districts.”

Alburnett has been a trophy contender in 1A and has moved up to 2A this season. The Pirates placed fifth at the State Duals last weekend and are ranked fourth with six ranked individuals.

He said coaches have emphasized the need to be composed when faced with adversity and stay the course in the postseason.

“We’ve talked a lot about that.” Rush said. “Right now, we’re more geared toward the individual but if they want to do something cool next week then we will need get as many guys down to state as we can. They are still wrestling for each other to a certain extent.”

Second-ranked Decorah heads to Osage for district, following its runner-up finish at State Duals. Benton Community, Independence, West Delaware and Williamsburg also host 2A districts.

Lisbon, Elkader Central, MFL MarMac and Sigourney-Keota all host 1A tournaments.

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