Messenger photo by Britt Kudla: Cyler Cirks of Humboldt wrestles at the state tournament on Wednesday in Des Moines. Cirks’ dad, Mark, was a state qualifier as well and is an assistant coach for the Wildcats. For more photos, please visit CU.messengernews.net

DES MOINES — Mark Cirks already had a blueprint for the ins and outs of coaching a son.

Cirks, a 2006 Twin River Valley graduate, played under his father, Dave, on the Thunder football team nearly 20 years ago.

Now, the two-time state qualifying wrestler has the opportunity to coach his son, Cyler, using many of the same philosophies he learned as a high school athlete himself.

“My dad was a great coach for myself and my teammates,” Cirks said. “He rarely raised his voice, but expected us to not allow ourselves or our teammates to take shortcuts.

“He forced us to be smart athletes by challenging us to figure out what our opponent was doing, and we felt he valued our opinion.”

Coaching can have its own difficulties, but when you add a father and son relationship to the equation, it can have its own unique flair.

“I felt that he did not treat me much differently than my teammates,” Cirks said. “He trusted me in big moments, which meant a lot to me.”

Now Mark and Cyler are undergoing the same process — just in a different sport.

“Separating coach and dad is really tough, but I coach wrestling because of what the sport inherently does for my son and his teammates,” Cirks said. “Cyler has put in a lot of work toward wrestling through his career, but he’s also had to balance that with being a four-year, four-sport athlete.”

Mark was a first-time all-state selection in 2004 and second-teamer in 2005 for the Thunder football squad, and 25-plus winner on the mat for four years.

Mark has been coaching the Wildcat wrestling club since 2014, and helped with the Humboldt High School for the last five seasons.

“As a dad/coach it of course stings to watch him go through hardships, but getting the opportunity to coach other great kids I feel that same bond. I’ve built great relationships with the kids and their families,” Cirks said.

Cyler also plays baseball, runs track and is on the Wildcat football team.

“I personally love having my dad as a coach,” Cyler said. “I always know I can count on him, and I’ll always have someone supporting me in my corner.

“Him being my coach is just a bonus. I wouldn’t want to have it any other way. He helps turn me into the best version of myself every day.”

In his final season as a senior, Cyler has qualified for his third state tournament. The Wildcat 132-pounder has compiled a 33-8 record and advanced to the quarterfinals. He has 136 career victories.

“There’s a lot that goes into being a four-sport athlete that many don’t see,” Mark said. “From extra workouts and practice sessions to doing multiple sports per day, as well as taking care of your body and having to allow time to recover. It isn’t easy.”

Mark knows that being in athletics is much more than just competing.

“For me, this is all preparation for what comes after sports,” Mark said. “I remember after being done at Iowa State and going through chiropractic school…those habits learned through tough athletics allowed myself to ultimately get to where I am today.

“I feel like Cyler is able to see that through me, and I hope to be a good example for him and his teammates in that regard.”