“Okay deep breath in, deep breath out,” is all he can say to himself. The crowd waits patiently, silently, so silently he was sure his parents could hear his heart beating from across the gym. He knows that silence will be broken soon. He is so familiar with the roaring of the crowd and the shouting of “TWO!” as he gets his first take, the first take down, he can practically hear it even before the match has started. 

Saturday, January 23, 2021, marked a very special day for Xavier High School’s wrestling program as junior Christian Stanek celebrated his 100th career win.

Remaining humble about his success, Stanek did not let this victory get to his head. 

“It feels good to get 100 wins, but to me, it’s just another win along the way,” Stanek said.

Although Stanek may remain modest about his achievements, parents Diane and Rick Stanek do not hold back when it comes to showing how proud they are of their son. 

“Because of COVID-19, meets are being canceled and spectators are not allowed, but the folks at Xavier contacted the Athletic Director at Iowa City High about his 100th win and they allowed us to be there for it,” Rick said. “It was really emotional to see him hit this milestone, knowing all the hard work and sacrifice he has put into the sport of wrestling.”

Assistant coach Kevin Murray shares that only two other juniors have received 100 career wins: Clint Lembeck [2012-2016] in the weight class of 165lbs. and Josh Gerke [2013-2017] in the weight class 158lbs..

“I have known Christian since he started wrestling, and from the very beginning, I could tell that he is all-around tough,” Murray said. 

Christian could not have gotten this far if there was never a beginning. 

“Christian started wrestling in Kindergarten and I knew that he would be faithful to the feeder program, The X-Men, and that’s where he really became a part of the Xavier wrestling family,” Diane said. 

Little did he know how much hard work and dedication he would put into the sport. 

“I had only one expectation when he brought home the paperwork to the X-Men wrestling club, that he was going to give it his best,” Rick said. “At the time, I had no idea how much it would change his life and the life of his parents.” 

The change that the Stanek family has experienced due to the sport of wrestling has developed an unbreakable bond within the family. 

“Wrestling is not just a sport, it is a lifestyle,” Rick said. “I started out as his t-ball coach, but then it went on to include football, wrestling and weight lifting. One of the most difficult parts about it all was being his coach and his dad at the same time, I always want him to be the best he can be.” 

Wrestling is like a second home for the Stanek family due to the other teammates and their families involved in the Xavier wrestling program. 

“Wrestling has helped us get closer but it’s also grown a wrestling family as well,” Diane said. “With all the traveling around and staying at hotels, wrestling has become a huge part of our lives and so many friendships and awesome relationships have been built.”

Christian has been wrestling for 11 years and both Rick and Diane have things they wish they could go back and tell young Christian when it all started in Kindergarten. 

“I would tell him to make choices that will never make you say ‘shoulda-coulda-woulda’,” Rick said. “There are no do-overs and you can never get time back.” 

Diane expanded on a few other items she would have told young Christian. 

“I would tell him to have fun, enjoy the ride and to always remember how proud I am of him,” Diane said. 

Through it all, victory means nothing if there is no one to celebrate it with. Christian could not have gotten to his 100th career win without the support of his teammates and coaches but most importantly his family. Tune in to ihssn.com to get more information on streaming the state tournament from Thursday, February 18 to Saturday, February 20 as Christian and his team continue to chase their dreams.