David Taylor first learned about the Dapper Dan Wrestling Classic from a family of former participants.

"I used to live in Wyoming and I would drive to Utah to work out with the Sanderson family," said Taylor, referring to Cody, Cole, Cael and Cyler Sanderson. "All four brothers wrestled in the Classic."

Six years ago, Taylor and his family moved to St. Paris, Ohio. He eventually earned a spot on the Graham High School wrestling team, which is coached by another alumni of the Classic.

"My coach, Jeff Jordan, and his brother, Jim, both wrestled in the Classic," Taylor said. "So I'm very familiar with the Classic, but I've never been fortunate enough to attend."

Taylor will get a chance to compete in the Classic as the 135-pound senior will wrestle for the United States All-Stars in the feature match. The 35th Dapper Dan Wrestling Classic will be Sunday at Pitt's Fitzgerald Field House.

"I can't wait," Taylor said. "I've heard so much about the Classic. It will be great to finally get a chance to participate."

Taylor is a four-time Ohio state champion with a 180-2 career record. He is also a four-time champion of the Ironman tournament, considered one of the two strongest regular-season tournaments in the country. He will face Latrobe's Joey Walters (129-32) Sunday. Walters is a WPIAL and PIAA runner-up.

"My parents are coming, and my grandfather is coming from Washington D.C.," said Taylor, who lives almost five hours away from Pittsburgh. "I even have family who live in Pittsburgh, so it should be a great time."

Taylor's high school achievements are significant, but his success at the national level is more impressive. He is a two-time Junior National champion, three-time Cadet National champion and was chosen as a member of the Fila Junior World Team.

"We wrestled in China when I was on the World Team," Taylor said. "I enjoyed the wrestling, but wasn't a fan of China. I wouldn't go back to visit."

Taylor will continue his career at Iowa State University.

"Cael Sanderson is the head coach at Iowa State and his brother Cody is the assistant," Taylor said. "When they offered a scholarship, there was no way I would pass it up. Cael is the greatest wrestler in NCAA history and now he will be my coach."

The United States All-Star team will face the Pennsylvania All-Stars at 4 p.m. A team of WPIAL All-Stars will face a West Virginia All-Star squad at 2 p.m. in the preliminary match. Tickets can be purchased at the door.

Proceeds from the 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.