There are not many prototypical all-around players in high school athletics these days, but senior Justin Nelson certainly makes his case to earn that distinction.
Going into the Puma Duals, wrestling in 195’s, Nelson held a 6-1 record this season. Football offensive coordinator, Adam Schiermyer, stated, “[Nelson] is a very hard worker, he has tremendous character, working hard, his work ethic is probably one of the best.”
Nelson was excited at the team’s overall standing this year, explained, “the team is doing great. We just took second at our last tournament, [Buckeye Invitational, 12/4] in dual meets so far, we are undefeated. We beat Hamilton, [overall score 59-18] and we beat the last school [Westwood, overall score 45-25], we played before Hamilton.”
Nelson, who was also a starter this season for football, received an honorable mention for Division 1, Section 1, for his play this year on the offensive line. “[The list] may have had some people that got missed, but [the committee] did a really good job of identifying the people who really stand out, all those people deserve it,” said Nelson.
Assistant wrestling coach Jeff Guerecki stated, “He’s a hard worker; he has a good motor.” Schiermyer added that during football season, Nelson “was a 195 pound kid going up against 230/240 pound defensive lineman.”
Along with his athletic performances, Nelson is in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) program, which he believes contributes greatly to his sound technical abilities in wrestling. Nelson said the rigorous academics “helps me with memorizing things, I am used to working hard in my classes, and it carries over.”
Schiermyer added, “I have actually known Justin for a long time, he was in the CATS program (Chandler Academically Talented Students) in elementary school. I am not surprised he is in the STEM program.”
Nelson will, without a doubt, be looking to continue his success at the nationally-recognized Oshkosh On-the-water Tournament in Oshkosh, Wisconsin on December 29.