Tide tops Harwood, Essex
Kyle Fleury eyes upcoming state championship
Toolbox
By Alex Abrami Times Argus Staff - Published: February 9, 2005
BARRE – Spaulding's Kyle Fleury moved up a weight class and the senior grappler had no trouble recording a quick pin to highlight the Crimson Tide's final home meet against Harwood and Essex.
Spaulding beat Essex, 48-28, and Harwood, 72-18.
Fleury who normally wrestles at the 140-pound class, moved up to 145 and pinned Harwood's Skylar Litchfield in 40 seconds.
The home meet was Spaulding's last dual contest of the season before Saturday's Northern Vermont Athletic Conference championship in Bristol followed by the State Championships on Feb. 26 in St. Johnsbury.
Kevin Fleury, Kyle's younger brother, also picked up a win. Other winners for Spaulding were Tom Estes and Mike Baril. Lucas Weston, Kyle Canton, Ryan Bidlack and Shane Lefebvre all recorded pins for the Highlanders.
"I was pumped up, but not as much as I will be for states," Fleury said. "Coach told me you have to get mat time, so I moved up (a weight class)."
"Kyle has been a steady influence. Tonight he did well, and he's doing a good job this year," Spaulding coach Dave Fournier said. "I hope he gets that (state) championship. That's his goal and there's gonna be some tough competition."
Fleury has placed third the past two years at states and hopes to get that elusive state crown. But first Fleury wants to retain his league title crown on Saturday.Kyle Fleury has placed third the past two years at states and hopes to get that elusive state crown. But first Fleury wants to retain his league title crown on Saturday.
"I've been working on strength and speed – fine-tuning those areas," Fleury said. "I've won the last two years (at leagues) and I hope as a team we can finish in the top two."
Fleury, Brett Kozier and Tom Estes all wrestled for the final time on their home mat on Tuesday. Kozier nearly pinned his opponent early, but eventually fell to Bidlack. Estes pinned Harwood's Abott Hughlett.
The three seniors have had stellar careers, and Fournier believes they will finish them off nicely the next couple of weekends.
"They have been good wrestlers for us," Fournier said. "Tonight was more of a preparation for states and hopefully we will have a good showing there and at the NVACs."
Fleury, the captain of the team, said he has tried to be a role model to his younger teammates, especially his brother.
"Basically, I'm a symbol of what they will become if they keep working hard," said Fleury, who hasn't missed a single practice in all four years. "I'm someone they can look up to. I want them to be a strong team when I'm gone."
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