135 Josh Ballard

BALLARD NAMED TO USA CLASSIC TEAM

 

PITTSBURGH – Josh Ballard, a three-time state champion from Carlsbad High School and a Carlsbad, N.M., resident, has been selected to participate on the United States team in the 26^th annual Dapper Dan Wrestling Classic scheduled for Saturday March 25 at the University of Pittsburgh’s Fitzgerald Field House.

He will compete at 135 pounds.

Ballard, the son of Glen and Colleen Ballard, entered the current season with a career record of 88-10.

He went 30-7 during his freshman season in 1996-97 to win the first of his three New Mexico state championships. As a sophomore he compiled a 30-2 record and he followed that with a 28-1 record last season to claim his third state championship.

Ballard also placed fifth in the Cadet nationals in 1997.

The Dapper Dan Classic, partially funded by UPMC Health System, benefits the boys and girls club of Western Pennsylvania.

The Wrestling classic, dubbed "The Rose Bowl of Wrestling," is the premier high school all-star dual meet in the United States.

The preliminary match will feature WPIAL (Western Pennsylvania) stars going against Nebraska’s best at 5:30 p.m. The main event – Pennsylvania versus USA will begin at 7:30 p.m.

Pennsylvania leads the series 14-10-1.

Tickets for the Wrestling Classic are $12 for reserved seats and $8 for general admission. They can be purchased at Wright Automotive Group in Wexford, Canon-McMillan High School or by mail to Dapper Dan Wrestling Classic, P.O. Box 957, Pittsburgh, PA 15230.