Class of 2020

Justin Lister was introduced to the sport of wrestling by his Uncle, Joe Beach. Justin was in second grade, full of energy and enthusiasm but didn't know a single wrestling move. Quickly he learned the head lock and figured out that if you squeeze a head and arm hard enough, you can pin people.

Justin wrestled throughout grade school with his stack of Beach blood cousins and grew more and more competitive in the sport. Once he reached the 8th grade, South Jefferson Head Coach, Pat Connors took him on the varsity team for a light weight 96/103 pounder.

Throughout Justin's high school career he became a three time New York State Finalist for South Jefferson. It wasn't until after Justin's junior year that he decided that he wanted to continue wrestling at the collegiate level. After several college visits, Justin signed with Binghamton University.

Head Coach Pat Popolizio mentored Justin both on and off the mat. Taught him how to live the right lifestyle and developed the winning mindset. Justin embraced the "grind" of the sport giving 100% commitment to his training, his schooling, and to himself.

Throughout Justin's Division I wrestling career, he became a three time New York State collegiate state champ, three time Colonial Athletic Association conference champ, three time NCAA qualifier, and a NCAA semi-finalist at 157 pounds. After earning All-American honors in 2010 Justin became a captain of the team and was selected as the student-athlete representative speaker at graduation.

Following graduation, Justin entered the State Trooper training academy in Ohio. Justin continued to stay active in the wrestling world by becoming an official. Justin won the rookie of the year in 2014 for the Greater Cleveland area then became an assistant coach at Midview High School. Justin has since coached three high school wrestlers that currently compete at the collegiate level. Presently, Justin is swat certified and is an instructor for new recruits in high intensity defensive tactics.