Remembering Kai Burkett

    The local wrestling community suffered another tough round of news with the tragic loss of Chestnut Ridge's Kai Burkett last night.

    A senior, Burkett was pronounced dead on the scene of a two-car accident late Friday in Napier Township. State police in Bedford reported that Burkett swerved to avoid debris in the roadway before losing control of his vehicle and being struck by a vehicle coming in the opposite direction. The driver and passenger of the other vehicle sustained minor injuries. All three involved were wearing seat belts.

   Burkett had put together a stellar three-year varsity wrestling career with the Lions, including three District 5 individual championships and a pair of state medals, fifth place in both his sophomore and junior seasons. He had a 106-22 record, and was a key member of Chestnut Ridge's last three teams that all earned medals at the PIAA Class AA Duals. Burkett was also a member of the school's golf team.

   One word that I've used to describe Burkett's wrestling is consistent. I felt like every time I watched him, I knew what I would see from him, win or lose. He wrestled smart, stayed in good position, and he had one of the best tilts in the area. Even if opponents saw it coming, he'd hit it and often for multiple sets of nearfalls.

   Similar to his older brother Aaron, Burkett displayed a quiet demeanor around the mat. But on the couple of occasions I interviewed him, he was very personable and knowledgeable about the sport. 

   Though I hadn't spoken to Kai recently, both my family and the Burkett family attend the same church. But his name, as expected, came up in an informal conversation I had a few weeks ago with Chestnut Ridge head coach Josh Deputy, who is also Burkett's uncle. I asked the question about incoming prospects to the varsity team, so we chatted about the Lions' vaunted lightweights and where wrestlers might fit in. Of course, that included Burkett front and center.

   News of Burkett's passing spread quickly across social media. A number of former and current teammates as well as numerous other wrestlers along with several regional wrestling programs offered their condolences.

   Below are a few from Twitter:

   From Nathan Holderbaum, three-year varsity teammate who also posted a photo of he and Burkett warming up before wrestling: "I can't express the amount of pain I feel. Fly high Kai, love you brother."

   From Dave Marko, Central coach: "Prayers go out to the Chestnut Ridge wrestling family and the Burkett's from both my family and the Central Dragon wrestling family. Words can't express the sadness for your loss." 

   From Hannah Hutzell, Chestnut Ridge graduate and wrestling fan: "The Burkett's are some of the most selfless, humble, genuine, and kind people on the face of the Earth... my heart breaks for them... they always rally around community members in need... now it's OUR TURN to support them."

   Unfortunately, a senior season with so much potential for Burkett won't happen. My heartfelt prayers and sympathies go out to the Burkett's, the Deputy's, and the entire Chestnut Ridge wrestling family.