The state of Alabama will be represented for the first time in the Dapper Dan Wrestling Classic March 15 at Pitt's Fitzgerald Field House.

Robert Dyar, a senior from Vestavia Hills High School in the Birmingham, Ala., suburbs, has been chosen to compete at 112 pounds for the United States Team.

"It's a huge honor to be chosen for the Dapper Dan Wrestling Classic," Dyar said.

"It's a huge responsibility to be the first participant from the state of Alabama, but I definitely think I can hold my own."

Dyar is a three-time Alabama state finalist and two-time champion who compiled a 183-19 record during his high school career.

Dyar competed at 103 pounds for the first three years of his high school career. He posted a 32-4 record as a freshman, but did not place in the Alabama tournament. As a sophomore, Dyar posted a 44-8 record and placed second in the state. He captured a state title his junior year and finished 53-3..

This year, Dyar moved to the 112-pound weight class and claimed his second state title. He finished with a 54-4 record.

"I didn't start wrestling until seventh grade," Dyar said. "I didn't do very well in seventh grade, but won a tournament title at the end of that season. I improved significantly the next year."

Dyar will continue his wrestling career in college at Columbia University.

"The coach from Columbia sent me a questionnaire, and I filled it out and returned it," said Dyar, who has a 3.8 grade-point average.

"When I finally made contact with the coaching staff, I really hit it off with [assistant] Matt Valenti."

The U.S. All-Stars will face the Pennsylvania All-Stars in the feature match at 4 p.m. A team of WPIAL All-Stars will face the West Virginia All-Stars in the preliminary match, which begins at 2 p.m.

The Classic is produced and sponsored by the Post-Gazette Dapper Dan Charities and local volunteers. Proceeds from The Wrestling Classic support a youth wrestling program for inner-city children through the Dapper Dan Youth Sports Leagues at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Pennsylvania.

Tickets can be purchased at Wright Automotive Group on Route 19, Canon McMillan High School, or by calling the Dapper Dan Charities at 412-263-3850.