Five members of the Baker University wrestling team will compete at the 2014 NAIA Wrestling National Championships on Friday and Saturday in Topeka.

These five men qualified to represent Baker at nationals after their performances in the NAIA Central Qualifier tournament, where the ‘Cats took sixth place overall on Feb. 22.

Alan Callahan | Senior | 125<strong>Alan Callahan | Senior | 125</strong> Alan Callahan | Senior | 125

This will be Callahan’s fourth year at the national tournament competing in the 125-pound event. Callahan nabbed fifth place at the qualifier tournament. Callahan said becoming a national champion is at the top of his list of goals; however, he would enjoy the All-America honor as well. The senior said he is “just excited to go and get after it for the last time and leave it all out there.”

Bryce Shoemaker | Freshman | 133<strong>Bryce Shoemaker | Freshman | 133</strong> Bryce Shoemaker | Freshman | 133

This Baldwin City native boasts a 30-7 record in his first season as a Wildcat. Shoemaker took second place in the 133-pound division at the qualifier tournament. In addition to his success this season, he earned two consecutive Heart of America Athletic Conference Wrestler of the Week awards. He says he wants to take the tournament one match at a time, but his personal goal is to finish in the top five at nationals. “I’m looking forward to just getting more experience under my belt, and hopefully we can finish on top,” Shoemaker said

Nick Haugen | Junior | 149<strong>Nick Haugen | Junior | 149</strong> Nick Haugen | Junior | 149

Haugen received an at-large bid after his fifth-place performance at the NAIA Central Qualifier. This is the third consecutive year he will compete in the 149-pound event at nationals. “Nationals is really exciting,” Haugen said. “It’s different, though, because there is so much pressure to do good each match.” His record is 16-7 so far this season. In addition to hoping he becomes an All-American, Haugen wants his team to perform well for his coaches. “Our coaches are so cool and want the best for us. It makes us want to wrestle well for them, as well as ourselves.”

John Hambleton | Senior | 184<strong>John Hambleton | Senior | 184</strong> John Hambleton | Senior | 184

Hambleton earned an at-large bid after taking sixth place in the 184-pound weight class in the qualifying tournament. “I’m excited about just getting to compete with my team,” Hambleton said. “I’m excited to see how our hard work will pay off after the tournament.” This is Hambleton’s second appearance at nationals and he hopes to become an All-America wrestler.

Parker Owen | Senior | 184<strong>Parker Owen | Senior | 184</strong> Parker Owen | Senior | 184

Owen is one of seven defending All-Americans, who will be showcased in the 184-pound event at nationals. Owen’s record until this point in the season is 11-6 after taking fourth place at the NAIA Central Qualifier.

The 57th annual NAIA wrestling championships will begin at 10 a.m. on Friday at the Kansas Expocentre in Topeka.