The Front Row with JASON ELLIOTT Sept. 10, 2011

The goal of next Saturday's North Idaho Fight Night is to remove a perceived black eye on the sport of mixed martial arts in North Idaho.

They might receive a couple to do it, but members of Trevor Prangley's American Kickboxing Academy have their sights set on putting on a show when they take to the cage on Sept. 17 at Christianson Gymnasium on the campus of North Idaho College.

PRANGLEY WILL face Tony King from Seattle in the main event of a 10-fight North Idaho Fight Night card, set to begin at 7 p.m.

"We just wanted to bring the mixed martial arts game to the area," Prangley said. "We're looking to bring it into a good light."

Prangley opened the academy, on Fourth and Spruce, earlier this year.

"We're trying to restore the image of the sport in the area," Prangley said. "I really want fans to see that these guys have a dream to do this for a living. They've got enough talent, but it's so important for them to get the experience."

No alcohol will be served, something that Prangley hopes will influence families to come out and take a look at the sport.

"It should be a good family, community event," Prangley said. "Hopefully by not having alcohol, there won't be any rowdy people there and they can go out and enjoy the sport for what it is."

WHILE HE will be in the main event, Prangley has focused more on training than actual fights in recent months, adding he's like a lot of the fighters he trains in Coeur d'Alene.

"I had that same dream almost 13 years ago that they do," Prangley said. "You're not going to realize it by yourself, and those fans that come to the fights - there wouldn't be a fight game. I've had such a blessed career, I'd like to start passing that on."

Prangley has fought twice in the last year, losing by TKO on July 16 in Japan.

The card will also feature Josh Queen, Arley George and Will Noland of Coeur d’Alene and Zach Lari of Post Falls, as well as Jordan Cook, a 19-year-old from Coeur d’Alene who is 15-1 and turning pro following the fight.

“He’s got a lot of talent,” said Prangley, who also trains Cook. “He should be able to have a lot of success in whatever organization he winds up in.”

Prangley, who weighs 202 pounds, has competed in the MMA for 10 years, spending time in the UFC, Shark Fights and Strikeforce. He is 23-8-1.

“I’ve got a lot of contacts and am really hoping to use it,” Prangley said. “These guys have been training a long time. They’re good, but still at the level where they need to have jobs, also.”

COOK WILL face Priest River native Wayde Rabidue in his amateur finale at 145 pounds.

“I’m ready for it,” Cook said. “I’ve been training really hard for this moment. I want it to be here now.”

Cook, who weighs 145 pounds, began training at 16 and has put in countless hours since trying to realize his dream of becoming a professional fighter.

“I’d like to be able to show my dedication and represent my gym and coach,” Cook said. “Fighting in front of your hometown — it gets you excited and stoked to get out there.”

Wherever he winds up, Cook will be fulfilling his dream.

“I love the sport,” Cook said. “It’s a future job for me. I need to go where the money is good, but I’ve always trained for this.”

Cook knows enough about his opponent to know he’ll need to be prepared for the bout.

“He’s a good wrestler,” said Cook of Rabidue. “He’s really good and has a lot of heart. He’s a real gamer.”

GEORGE ENTERS his fight 11-1 as an amateur.

“My nerves aren’t too horrible right now,” George said. “It’s going to be a big show.”

George (150 pounds) also works as an electrician and is a full-time dad.

“It’s tough sometimes to balance everything,” George said. “My kids are in here every night watching me train. At this level, you really have to commit to it.”

He estimates spending up to three hours a day, Monday through Saturday at the gym.

Noland, who also is Prangley’s sparing partner, is 3-2 as a professional.

“I do it for the rush,” Noland said. “There’s nothing better than the crowd yelling your name.”

Noland worked installing dry wall, but was laid off after work slowed down.

“I was unionized until I got laid off,” Noland said. “There just hasn’t been much work in the last couple of months.”

Of sparring with Prangley, Noland added that it’s a work in progress.

“It has gotten better over the years,” said Noland of working with Prangley. “But you’re only as good as the guy you train with.”

Tickets are available at Dave Smith Frontier Motors, Tap or Snap MMA Pro Shop in Coeur d’Alene, as well as TicketsWest.com.

For other information on the fight, search “North Idaho Fight Night” on Facebook.com.

Jason Elliott is a sports writer for the Coeur d’Alene Press. He can be reached by telephone at 664-8176, Ext. 2020 or via email at [email protected]