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Jackson County Wrestling Hall of Fame

December 2, 2008

JACKSON - Four new members of the Jackson County Wrestling Hall of Fame will be honored at the 2008 induction ceremony at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, December 4th at the Jackson County Central Performing Arts Center.

A meal will be served in the JCC High School Commons from 5:30-7 p.m. that night.

Jackson County Central will open its season that night with a dual against Lake Crystal-Wellcome Memorial. Hall of Fame members will be admitted free to match.

After the match, a social will be held at Pillars Pub and Eatery in downtown Jackson.

Following is a look at the 2008 inductees:

Phyllis Lueth-Contributor

Phyllis was very instrumental in saving the Lakefield wrestling program. She was an avid fan in the 1970’s and early 1980’s.

When Lakefield changed coaches several times after Gary Huhnerkoch left for another job in the Twin Cities, it did not look good for the Panthers' program.

Lueth was very vocal and active in fighting for the Lakefield wrestling program. She helped get the program noticed by the public and to get others to help in encouraging the school board and administration to keep the program going.

Phyllis currently lives in the Alexandria area.

Shane Meier-Contributor

Shane has been and continues to be a very avid wrestling fan at all levels and a strong supporter of the JCC wrestling program.

He has made many generous contributions to the wrestling program over the years. Much has been done with and opportunities provided by those generous contributions.

You may see him at the matches watching closely, or maybe riding along on the bus to an away match. Shane is always watching and supporting the Jackson County Central and Flat Earth Club wrestlers.

John Miller-Athlete

John wrestled heavyweight for Jackson High School in the late 1970’s and early 1980’s.

He was a four-time state qualifier and a two-time place winner in the two-class system, finishing fifth in 1979 and fourth in 1981 as one of the best big men to walk the halls in Jackson and in all of southwest Minnesota.

He had some epic battles with Mountain Lake's big man. Former JHS coach and charter Hall of Fame member Jim Hart always praised the efforts of John and what he meant to Jackson wrestling.

Nate Baker-Athlete

Nate was a five-time state qualifier, five-time place winner and a three-time state champion. He wrestled on several state dual meet teams, including two state championship teams and one runner-up team. He was selected Mr. Minnesota Wrestling in 2000 and a career record of 204-12.

Nate also was a two-time Junior National all-American and won a Junior National freestyle title in 2000. He also won a NCAA Division II national title at 165 pounds while competing at Minnesota State University-Moorhead. He is currently the head assistant coach for the Dragons.