MOSES LAKE - Returning home to the Columbia Basin, two of Moses

Lake High School's better wrestlers in program history had plenty

of reason to celebrate their reason visit to Virginia Beach,

Va..

MOSES LAKE - Returning home to the Columbia Basin, two of Moses Lake High School's better wrestlers in program history had plenty of reason to celebrate their reason visit to Virginia Beach, Va.

There the 22nd Annual Senior Nationals Wrestling Tournament took place from March 29 - April 3 and Chiefs Brian Chamberlain and Kabe Fluaitt made a trip to test their skills against some of the best grapplers in the United States.

Chamberlain, the two-time state Class 4A champion at 215-pounds, went 5-1 and finished third in his weight class, while Fluaitt, the two-time 285-pound Class 4A state champion, went 3-2, losing to the eventual national champion, 5-2, prior to the medal rounds.

"Kabe cracked a rib in that match and yet went and wrestled in his consolation match," Moses Lake coach Jim Nielsen said. "He ended up losing that match 2-0. Kabe was one match away from placing and being an All American.  He had a great tournament but was disappointed in his finish."

Chamberlain, who has committed to wrestle for Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, got to wrestle in front of his future coaches.

'They were really excited for him and looking forward to having him on their team next year," Nielsen said. 

"Brian is a very talented kid and he will improve as he continues to wrestle and we can't wait to get him in our room," said Greg Williams, UVU's head wrestling coach.  

Fluaitt is planning on making a couple of visits to see the schools that have showed an interest in him wrestling for them next year.  

"We'll see what happens here over the next couple months," Fluaitt said. "I'm excited because I want to wrestle in college.  Coming to this tournament has helped me get closer to that goal."

The two made the trip thanks to numerous donations from various supporters throughout the Columbia Basin and even on from Oregon.

Nielsen said he and the boys were grateful to have this opportunity.

"These boys represented Moses Lake and themselves very well back in Virginia," Nielsen said. "I'm extremely proud of them. It was a great tournament."