Born on September 12, 1972 in Grand Forks, North Dakota, Brian Bakke was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis (CF) in 1973. Brian's parents said, "He was born with a stubborn streak, he absolutely would not listen to his doctor's advice not to exercise, but to take it easy." Twenty years later those same doctors at the CF Clinic admitted they were wrong and congratulated Brian on adhering to his rigorous routine." The above is the story of Brian Bakke. In spite of his health challenges, Bakke excelled at sports, including baseball, basketball and football in Junior High. He also went on to be an outstanding tennis player in high school, and of course he participated in wrestling, even though his doctors advised limited exercise for him. Brian started wrestling in elementary school where he finally gained enough weight to make the varsity team as a Freshman, wrestling at 103 lbs. He only weighed 95 lbs. This success in athletics was impressive, considering he had to have aerosol therapies 3 times a day, followed by automatic and manual pounding of his chest to dislodge excess mucous. He was advised to consume from 4,000 to 6,000 calories a day, not an easy task. The total number of pills Brian was consuming per day at one time totaled almost 80. As a 7th grader, Brian started playing tennis at East Grand Forks High School. He qualified for State as a team in 9th grade. His sophomore year he was an individual on the team qualifying for State and in 1991 he was part of a "Doubles Team" team that captured the State Title his Senior year. Bakke was named "Male Senior Athlete of the Year" at East Grand Forks. An unusual honor to an athlete not participating in the sports of hockey, football and basketball at East Grand Forks High School. From high school Bakke attended the University of North Dakota, graduating in 1998 with a degree in physical education. He took on the coaching positions of Assistant Boys and Girls Tennis Coach for a few years, then Head Boys Tennis Coach, Girls Head Tennis Coach. In addition, he was an Assistant Wrestling Coach for several years. Bakke also taught one year at Spring Lake Park High School in Minnesota and served 2 years as a "Tennis Pro" at 'The Rac' in Rochester, Minnesota. However, his "CF" finally proved too debilitating for full-time work. In 1997, Brian married his high school "sweetheart" in Kaylen Gregoire. They adopted a son, Leyton, in 2004. Much of Brian's involvement in the sport of wrestling took place as a Wrestling Official. His first year was in 1992, officiating in northern Minnesota. His quality officiating earned him 17 appearances as an official at the Minnesota State Wrestling Tournament. For fun, Brian enters "Corn Hole" Tournaments and he and his partner often win. They play in the Corn Hole League at the Blue Moose Bar & Grill. He also likes playing softball during the summer months and lifts weights on his own, year-round. In 2017 Brian was hired as a part-time Paraprofessional at East Grand Forks High School. In 2019 he was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. Brian Bakke is the kind of individual who refuses to be defined by his illness; He doesn't want pity. He accepts the challenges his condition brings, such as taking numerous pills each day, and doing physical therapy 2 to 3 times every day as well. He tries to live every day to the fullest! If you cross paths with Brian you will receive a warm greeting. His parents say, "He has been known to climb trees, startling neighbors as they walk by with a joyous "hello." The National Wrestling Hall of Fame-Minnesota Chapter congratulates Brian Bakke with a most well deserved "Medal of Courage" Award as a new member of the Wrestling Hall of Fame. Brian represents the full concept of this honor with the life he has lived, and as he continues to strive to being the best without his physical condition setting him back or used as an excuse in striving to be the best he can be. Brian Bakke is a great example for everyone to emulate!