Fett storms through District bracket to accomplish lifelong dream of qualifying for State

Audubon senior 220-pounder is the latest in long family lineage to represent AHS in Des Moines

By Drew Herron - AJ Sports Editor / Feb. 15, 2014

UNDERWOOD – Audubon senior Matt Fett had some time to think about it.

Following Tuesday’s upset loss to Logan-Magnolia’s Tanner Winther at the Regional Dual Tournament, Fett stewed about what he might do once the two faced off again Saturday at the District in Underwood, with a State Tournament berth in tow.

For five days, it festered.

So, given another opportunity in the District semifinal, Fett wasted no time. He hammered on Winther, dominated him, had him on the verge of a tech fall before placing Winther’s shoulder blades on the mat for the win by fall.

It drove Fett onto the finals (which he would win convincingly), and it exercised some demons and clouds of doubt. Now, those clouds have lifted, and Fett has secured his spot in the field at this week’s State Tournament in Des Moines.

“All week I was anxious to get back onto the mat, and win the match I should have had Tuesday,” Fett said afterwards. “It fueled the fire, and I was pretty hungry. I was going to get the pin.”

Fett, the No. 10 ranked individual in Class 1A at 220 pounds, improved his season record to 44-8 with a very focused effort Saturday in Underwood.

After he pinned Winther at 4:44 of the semis, Fett pieced together a smart and cogent effort in the finals to finish off St. Albert’s Sean O’Neill by 10-1 major decision, and with it, accomplish a life long dream.

Fett is now going to wrestle at the State Tournament, with a better than decent shot at bringing home a medal.

“This has been a goal for me for as long as I can remember,” Fett says. “My dad, my grandpa, all my uncles, my brother…they’ve all been there. Now, I just want to go there and place higher than my brother did.”

Fett’s brother, Nick, medaled eighth at the State Tournament two years ago.

The latest in a long line of family members to represent Audubon High School at the State Tournament, Fett will open the Tournament Thursday night against Robbie Carrouthers (27-17) of Alburnett in opening round action.

A win Thursday against Carrouthers will end his night and safely place him into second round action Friday. A loss will delegate him to the consolation bracket in the double elimination competition.

Audubon coach Blane Kerkhoff says he’s pleased as punch to see the senior reach the grand stage after falling one match short last February.

“He’s worked hard to get where he’s at,” Kerkhoff says of Fett. “Matt has battled hard, and he’s been working on staying in good position. Matt’s been pretty committed.”