Cedar Rapids Prairie’s Mackenzie Childers powers way to strong start

CEDAR RAPIDS – Mackenzie Childers described herself as an energetic youth.

Her rambunctiousness probably factored in to a suggestion to try wrestling from her mother’s friend.

“I was a pretty crazy kid,” said Childers, who started wrestling in second grade. “I was full of life and active. I was always doing something.

“I’ve always loved wrestling but I was not very good when I first started. It took me a few years to finally start winning matches and tournaments. It evolved over time and the passion has only grown more and more.”

Childers has enjoyed success as a leader for Cedar Rapids Prairie. After placing fourth at the Iowa Wrestling Coaches and Officials Association girls’ state tournament last season, the Hawks sophomore produced a dominant start to the first sanctioned wrestling season by the Iowa Girls’ High School Athletic Union.

Childers is 20-0 this season and claimed individual titles at the Marion, Williamsburg, Iowa City High and Independence tournaments. She is focused on what is ahead instead of past feats.

“I feel good about it,” Childers said. “I’m always looking forward to what’s next, the next match. I never stay satisfied with what you have, right now.”

Interestingly, last season helped her realize her wrestling potential. Childers returned from an injury that sidelined her from competition for a year. She posted a 24-6 record, beating male peers in tournaments and upset No. 4 seed Ana Scranton of Anamosa and Martensdale-St. Marys’ fifth-seeded Josephine Wearmouth en route to the IWCOA state semifinal.

“I knew I needed to turn it up a notch,” Childers said. “I knew my technique needed to be a lot better, because the girls I was losing to I was pushing and being erratic. I wasn’t staying focused, slow and technical.

“I think I’ve done a pretty good job of that. I got into different clubs. I found good practice partners and people who are pushing me.”

Prairie Coach Zach Becicka knew Childers was more advanced than the rest of the roster. He tried to get others up to speed, relying on Childers to share her experience to help her teammates. Coaches have helped Childers more lately and Becicka said he has noticed how she absorbs advice to improve every detail.

“She just has the drive to be successful,” Becicka said. “She’s always in pursuit of getting better. Always learning and is very coachable. Work ethic and coachability are the top two factors.”

Not only has the season come with lots of victories, but few have been close. Childers has dominated foes, recording 16 pins, a technical fall and major decision.

“She’s putting them away but she is scoring a lot of points before she does that, which is nice,” Becicka said. “She’ll rack up eight to 10 points, getting takedowns by using good technique and then put them away. Usually, it’s a different pinning combination most of the time.”

Her only victory by decision was just one point shy from being a major. She tries to emulate her favorite wrestlers, like Cael Sanderson, Spencer Lee, David Carr and Nick Suriano. They all share a common mindset.

“I want to be dominant,” Childers said. “I don’t want to leave any doubt that I’m better than that girl.”

The historic hasn’t altered her approach. She has her sights set on a state title. She has dedicated herself to make that dream a reality.

“Last year, I placed at state. I wasn’t quite satisfied with that finish. I want to be better,” Childers said. “I want to be the winner. I never want to settle. No one wants that. Everyone wants that gold medal.”

LINN-MAR CROWNS 6 AT KENNEDY

Linn-Mar captured the team title at Cedar Rapids Kennedy’s girls’ tournament Monday. The Lions crowned six champions, scoring 196.5 points and beating the runner-up Cougars by 42.5.

Kendra Baynes (105), Kate Seery (110), Ally Jelinek (120), Reese Roberts (125), 130-poubnder Cecilia Hartley and Trinity Young at 235 each won titles for Linn-Mar.

Kennedy, Williamsburg and Iowa City Liberty each had two titlists. Joscelyn Streicker (170) and Ella Brown at 190 won gold for the Cougars. Eavenly Nielsen and Elizabeth Eggleston won at 155 and 140 for the Lightning, while Madison Kirby (115) and Phoenix Gryp (145) earned championships for the Raiders.

BATTLE OF WATERLOO

The 12th annual Battle of Waterloo will be held Friday and Saturday at Young Arena. The dual tournament field will consist of 32 boys’ teams and 16 girls’ teams, competing in brackets on Day 1 and pool round-robins on Day 2.

“There are several teams capable of winning our bracket,” West Delaware Coach Jeff Voss said. “The duals could come down to one matchup or takedown to determine who advances. The balance in the tournament is as good as I have seen it.”

The top seeds in boys’ brackets include Osage (A), West Delaware (B), Linn-Mar (C) and Waverly-Shell Rock (D). Cedar Rapids Prairie and Alburnett are the second and third seed in Bracket A. Independence is the No. 3 seed in Bracket B. Lisbon is the fourth seed in Bracket D.

“We have a chance to do very well here and are looking forward to seeing some tough competition,“ Alburnett Coach Clayton Rush said. ”We’ll find out where we fit in from a dual standpoint with some other top (Class) 1A schools there.“

Linn-Mar, East Buchanan and Independence are Gazette-area teams that will wrestle in the event.