Fluaitt finishes sixth at nationals

FARGO, N.D. — Kabe Fluaitt, a 285-pound wrestler for the Moses Lake High School wrestling team represented Washington’s cadet wrestling team at the 2009 ASICS/Vaughan Junior & Cadet National Championships in Fargo, N.D., July 17 through July 25.

Fluaitt wrestled in two tournaments over the week-long event. The first three days were spent wrestling in the Greco-Roman tournament.

Fluaitt went 2-2 in the Greco-Roman tournament and based on points was listed as placing 10th in his weight class.

“Kabe’s losses were to the wrestlers who placed second and fifth in the Greco tournament,” said Moses Lake assistant wrestling coach Jim Nielsen. “This was his first year wrestling Greco, so we were really pleased with his results in his first couple days out in Fargo.”

During the last three days of the national tournament, Fluaitt competed in the national freestyle tournament for the Washington state cadet team.

Fluaitt won his first five matches over the first two days of the freestyle tournament.

Fluaitt put himself in great position to place as an All-American.

On the third and final day of the tournament, Fluaitt lost to Cole Dillman, of Pennsylvania, by decision. Fluaitt then beat returning Ohio All-American Greg Kuhar by decision.

After Kuhar beat Dillman in their match, it left the three wrestlers in a three way tie. By rule, the tie is broken based on points scored in individual matches. Fluaitt ultimately finished third place in the pool.

With his third-place finish in the pool, Fluaitt would wrestle for fifth and sixth in his final match against Zack Corl, of Pennsylvania. Corl finished third in the other pool.

Fluaitt ended up losing to Corl and placed sixth and wrestled well, Nielsen said.

“The crazy thing with that rule is that the guy Kabe beat ended up first in the pool and he got to wrestle for first and second,” he said. “He ended up losing, but it just shows you how close (Fluaitt) was to being in the finals. (He was) very close, actually, one-point close. He ended up losing to the guy that took third and fifth, but he beat the guy that took second. Sometimes it doesn’t make much sense, but that’s the sport of wrestling.”

After Fluaitt’s sixth-place finish, Nielsen said he is proud of his Chiefs wrestler.

“We couldn’t be more proud of Kabe and his summer wrestling,” he said. “He went to a lot of camps and put in the work to get where he wanted to get.  It takes a lot of time and effort to do what he did. His family, friends and support from the community were all involved in getting him out there to represent himself, his family, Moses Lake and Washington.”

With an All-American finish under his belt, Fluaitt said he is ready to return to the Columbia Basin.

“I am tired and ready to come home,” he said. “It was a great week, and I learned a lot that will help me next year. I am looking forward to the season already.

“I’m a little disappointed in how I finished in the end, but I’m glad I was able to come to Fargo and wrestle. There are so many people who helped me get here. I’d like to thank them for all that they have done.”

2009 Cadet National Championships

Kabe Fluaitt’s 285-pound results

Match 1) Kabe Fluaitt (Washington) over Kacee Sauer (New York); Dec 1-0, 0-3, 1-0.

Match 2) Kabe Fluaitt (Washington) over Kyle Smith (Oregon); Fall 1-0, 1:27.

Match 3) Kabe Fluaitt (Washington) over Jim Walsh (Michigan); Dec 1-0, 2-0.

Match 4) Kabe Fluaitt (Washington) over Steven Wood (California); Dec 1-0, 1-0.

Match 5) Kabe Fluaitt (Washington) over Caleb White (Iowa); Dec 1-0, 1-0.

Match 6) Cole Dillman (Pennsylvania) over Kabe Fluaitt (Washington); Dec 1-0, 2-0.

Match 7) Kabe Fluaitt (Washington) received a bye.

Match 8) Kabe Fluaitt (Washington) over Greg Kuhar (Ohio); Dec 2-1, 1-0.

Match 9) Cole Dillman (Pennsylvania) over Kabe Fluaitt (Washington); Dec 1-0, 2-0.

Match 10) Zack Corl (Pennsylvania) over Kabe Fluaitt (Washington); Fall 9-3, 0:49.