PITTSBURGH –Nate Baker, a two-time Minnesota state champion from Jackson High School, 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 152 pounds.

In addition to his two Minnesota state titles, Baker is a five-time state Freestyle champion and a four-time Kids/Cadet Northern Plains champion.

As an eighth grader, he compiled a 38-6 record and placed sixth in the state. He followed that with a 39-3 record as a freshman and was a state runner-up.

As a sophomore and junior, Baker won 85 of 86 bouts, going 42-1 in 1998 and 43-0 in 1999 to claim both of his state crowns.

He entered his senior year with a career mark of 162-12-1.

Baker was third in the Junior National in 1999 and was named Outstanding Wrestler in the Minnesota Christmas Tournament.

He is the son of Randy and Becker Baker and resides in Lakefield, Minn.

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.