Luke Bernetich is reminded everyday of the current wrestling season that he is the little brother of former RHS wrestling star Chase Bernetich, who has conquered and achieved goals that many high school wrestlers aspire toward.
Last year, Chase competed in the 2A/1A regional competition in the 125 weight class. He placed first in the Big Train Tournament. He ended up going to the county finals “which was a big deal,” said former wrestling coach Mike Hayes. At the county finals, Chase qualified to wrestle at the state championships for the third year in a row.
“It is tough because I know when I am out there, I [have to] keep up the family name,” said Luke. The pressure to live up to sibling standards and the public’s expectations can be very difficult and frustrating for some. Most younger siblings try and avoid the comparisons in hopes of creating their own identity as a person. “I want to be known as Luke when I leave, not Little B.”
When Chase competed in regional competition, he was the number two seeded wrestler in his weight class; Luke was at the number eight seeded in his class. At the state tournament, Chase came in twelfth place. Hayes said, “This was the only competition of the year that he struggled a bit in.”
“At practice, Luke does work really hard and it shows just like it did with Chase,” said Hayes. These comparisons are what bother Luke and most other younger siblings who deal with following in their brothers’ or sisters’ footsteps. “I have always got to go out there and work extra hard so I live up to what my brother has done. I can’t slack off,” said Luke.
Chase was known for his swift and immediate pins. Last year when RHS wrestled against Watkins Mill High School, Chase pinned his opponent in 35 seconds. RHS senior Joe Coffman said, “I remember going to the matches last year excited as anything to watch Chase get on the floor. Everyone went to see him.” Although the stands were full of Chase’s supporters, everyone was silent when the whistle blew and the dance began.
The brothers have the same routine when preparing to hit the mat. Luke said, “I try and get my blood flowing, pump myself up—sometimes a few pushups gets me right where I need to be.” Chase said, “I would pump myself up, focus my mind on what I needed to do; then I just go out there and do it.”
