Hubacek returns as reigning king of cabbage

PALMER – Steve Hubacek came back for a win over World Record Holder Scott Robb in the 19th Annual Cabbage Weigh-Off at the Alaska State Fair.

Hubacek brought a cabbage with an official weight of 117.95 pounds, almost five pounds ahead of Robb’s 113.2-pound contender. Brian Shunskis of Salcha came in third for the fourth year in a row, with this year’s cabbage weighing 75.8 pounds.

Hubacek said he was surprised by the win, especially after an off-year.

“I didn’t think I was going to win,” he said.

Hubacek said he had told Robb last year that if he didn’t bring a hundred-plus-pounder, he would come back. Though Robb holds the record at over 138 pounds, his 2013 cabbage weighed in at just over 92 pounds.

He also got bested by a 10-year-old, Hubacek pointed out.

“We shame each other,” he said good-naturedly, of his opponent.

Robb did have a cabbage named after him, however.

See Sunday’s Frontiersman for full coverage and photos from the cabbage weigh-off.