St. Laurence senior Xavier Bitner tears apart the classic profile of an elite upper-weight wrestler.
A two-time state qualifier at 215 pounds, Bitner goes against the grain with an unimposing form that’s marked by wide, almost soft features. It also belies the beast that lies within him.
“Some people see my build as a disadvantage, but it’s actually an advantage,” he said. “I have a low center of gravity. It’s harder to get under me and score because I’m so low to the ground.
“People look at me, smile and think I’m not very good but that works for me.”
Bitner got back to work Wednesday night for the host Vikings, posting victories by technical fall and fall, respectively, in dual meets against both DePaul Prep and Hinsdale South in Burbank.
The unassuming Bitner — ranked No. 5 at 215 in Class 3A by the Illinois Wrestling Coaches and Officials Association website — improved his record to 16-2.
Daniel Gilbert, who’s in his first year as St. Laurence’s coach after coming over from St. Rita, has known about Bitner a long time.
“He’s always been phenomenal,” Gilbert said. “He’s not the most intimidating-looking guy, but he might be the most talented wrestler in any room he walks into, skill-wise and technique-wise.
“He went from being the kid everyone wanted to wrestle to the kid everyone avoids. He tricks people. He’s not your prototypical wrestler, but he’s incredibly polished.”
Senior 195-pounder Maciej Zalinski, his workout partner, pointed out that Bitner’s combination of technique, IQ and feel for the sport makes him elite.
“He has a mentality where he just goes for it, no matter who he’s wrestling,” Zalinski said. “It’s almost impossible to score on him. You think you’re in on a leg, you think you have it — and suddenly he’s behind you, you’re on your back or you’re in a front headlock.”
Most importantly, Bitner learns from the past, soaking up knowledge from each experience. After coming up short at state as a sophomore, he returned last season to the highest stage.
And he did so with a vengeance.
“Getting there was special, but my first time in the quarterfinals, it was 0-0 and I got pinned,” Bitner said. “I told myself before I left I’m not losing again. I came back and won two overtime matches.”
Last season, Bitner finished sixth in the state in Class 2A at 215. He’s the youngest from an athletic family of four kids. His father, Mark, was part of a dual team state title at Joliet Central.
His brothers, Marcel and Anthony, wrestled at both Reavis and Oak Lawn. His sister, Alyssa, was a swimmer and theater performer at the same two schools.
“My dad said we all had to wrestle for three years and we could quit after that if we wanted,” Xavier Bitner said. “None of us did. Wrestlers are just different.
“I’ve been doing this for 12 years now. I just try to stay calm and not let the moment get too big.”
Bitner, who has an active and intuitive mind, loves to work in graphic art and computer design. Quiet and self-contained off the mat, Bitner is efficient and effective when he wrestles.
“I’m defensive, but I sting you,” he said. “I force you into bad situations. That’s where I’m best. And I’m very fast, so when I use my offense, I can get to it quickly.”
The elevation of the Vikings to Class 3A competition is the next hurdle for Bitner and Co.
“I really wanted to help build something here,” he said. “We were Class 1A when I first got here and then 2A. When we moved up to 3A, people started talking again, saying I couldn’t win.
“So now it’s about proving people wrong all over again.”
Looking past him will be a fool’s errand.
“Wrestlers are just different and it makes you physically and mentally tough,” Bitner said. “I enjoy the chaos of the sport. It’s made me who I am.”
Patrick Z. McGavin is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.