Class of 2022

When looking at the long career of Coach Carl Reistom, it takes no time at all to realize that he is a man of unwavering commitment. Even a brief history will reveal a life of extraordinary dedication, exemplified perhaps more than anything, aside from family, by his years of coaching West Genesee High School wrestlers. Carl is a graduate of SUNY Oswego where he wrestled and earned a teaching degree in Biology. His coaching and teaching (Biology) careers began and ended at West Genesee High School, and extended from 1968 to 2002. Coach Reistrom became the varsity wrestling coach in the 1970-71 season and hit the ground running. Upon taking the helm as head coach, he quickly, and somewhat quietly, produced (5) NYS Individual champions, and (2) NYS runner-up champions in his first 8 seasons - an accomplishment unmatched to this day in Section 3 Wrestling history. A stickler for conditioning, focusing on the basics, and drilling the fundamentals, he led his teams as well as individual wrestlers to much success over his long 24 year coaching career. Not one to draw attention to himself or his credentials, coach Reistroms longevity and success on the mats of Central New York speak for themselves. Over his many years as wrestling coach at West Genesee some of the more noted achievements include League Team Championships, Section 3 Team Championship (1971); several individual League Champions, Class-A Champions, Sectional 3 Champions, NYS Runners-up and NYS Champions. Along with his many accomplishments, Coach Reistrom was also named Onondag County High School League - North Coach of the Year in 1990. In addition, Carl served for many years as a Trail Guide for school groups at the Beaver Lake Nature Center. His long and stellar influence in the sport of wrestling, and in the young lives of so many, represents a gleaming testimony to his legacy a legacy defined by a lifetime of commitment and success.

In retirement Carl enjoys spending time with his wife of 55 years, Mary Ellen, and their family, as well as continuing his lifelong love for boating, fishing, and recreation at their camp.

At this time, his wrestlers, West Genesee High School, and Section 3 Wrestling are proud to recognize and congratulate Coach Carl Reistrom on his well deserved induction into the SECTION 3 WRESTLING HALL OF FAME, class of 2022.