Butler County resident goes out of comfort zone, wins Can-Am Games submission grappling medal
SLIPPERY ROCK — Scott Barlett admits he was outside his comfort zone.
The police officer from Zelienople competed Wednesday, July 17, in the Submission Grappling event as part of the 2024 Can-Am Police-Fire Games.
The sport combines a number of disciplines, including wrestling, Judo, jujitsu and Sambo.
“I’ve trained in jujitsu for a number of years, just as a hobby, and had never entered a competition,” said Barlett, 48. “I’ve competed in some CrossFit events, but nothing like this.
“My department posted some information on the (Can-Am Games), and I thought if I’m going to do this I wanted to do it before I was 50. I wanted to test myself.”
Barlett went 2-1 and placed first in the over-40, under-218 pounds division at Slippery Rock University’s Morrow Field House.
“It was a lot of fun. I can say that now that it’s over,” Barlett said, laughing. “I had no idea of the people I’d be going up against and there was a lot of nerves leading up to it.”
Mike Wilkins, a former professional MMA fighter turned instructor from Pittsburgh, has trained Barlett for three years.
“This was his first competition, and I think he was a little unsure of himself,” Wilkins said. “I knew this competition was coming up and urged him to try it. I challenged him, and I’m proud of him for his effort today.”
Something Wilkins worked on with Barlett over the previous few days paid off Wednesday.
“It was a back escape and I used it successfully,” Barlett said. “That came in the bout that I lost, but it kept me from a submission.
“The first guy I faced was a good wrestler, and he beat me. The second guy was more into jujitsu and that’s what I’m more comfortable with. I wanted to show Mike that what he’s teaching me is working.”
In all, there were 33 competitors across five weight classes and an open division. Each bout lasted six minutes, unless one of the competitors scored a submission.
Elijah Argie, of Cleveland, competed in three brackets and earned a silver medal in each with an overall record of 5-3.
“You can win on points or by submission,” Argie said. “All of my wins came on points. I’m decent in the other techniques, but I have a background in wrestling and relied on that.
“This was my first time competing (at Can-Am). I thought it would be a great opportunity to meet new people.”
Argie left the field house with three medals around his neck.
“I need to find a place at home for these,” he said with excitement. “This was a wonderful experience.”
Tony Sawl is Sponsorship Chairman for the games.
“You can always wish that more people registered, but this was a good showing,” he said. “The guys gave it their all. They rocked today.”
