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03/21/2019 12:00 AMJustin Osler had a sensational year with the Branford wrestling team that saw the sophomore etch his name Hornets’ history. Justin recorded 41 victories on his way to accomplishing something that had never been done by a sophomore on the squad.
Justin has competed in the 182-pound weight class for Branford the past two seasons. At this year’s Southern Connecticut Conference Championship, Justin took first place in the division by winning a 10-4 decision in the title bout. Justin went on to finish second in the Class M State Championship and third at the State Open to qualify for New England Championship, where he won a match.
With his fifth-place finish at the Open, Justin became the first sophomore in Branford wrestling history to earn a medal at Connecticut’s elite event. He’s also just the fourth wrestler to qualify for New Englands. After reaching the State Open last year, Justin had his sights set on competing at the New England meet this season.
“Making it to the State Open as a freshman was a huge accomplishment for me. This year, I really wanted to raise the bar and set higher goals for myself,” Justin says. “I wanted to make it to New Englands. I actually wrote that goal on my mirror. Every day when I woke up, I looked at it, and it helped me push myself toward what I wanted to do.”
Justin feels that his work ethic is what separates him from most of his adversaries. From the moment he stepped on the mat at practice, Justin made sure that he always went full throttle. During the offseason, he trains with the MarcAurele Wrestling program in Niantic. Justin is also a two-way lineman for the Branford football team and plans to give lacrosse a try this spring.
“The first practice, we ran, and I wanted to keep up with everyone. I pushed myself to be better and condition harder than everyone else. Without my teammates, I couldn’t do it. They push me to be the best wrestler I can be,” says Justin, who had three sacks when Branford beat East Haven last year. “I try to get a lift in every day before or after practice, and I try to eat as healthy as a I can and drink a lot of water. Doing three sports a year helps me a lot, and I wrestle in the offseason a bit.”
That’s not all Justin does to stay in tiptop shape. He also does CrossFit and participates in training with the Naval Sea Cadet Corps at Fort Nathan Hale in New Haven in order to maintain his form.
“In the summer, I do CrossFit with the football team, and that helps a lot with strength and conditioning,” Justin says. “I also do the Naval Sea Cadets on the side because, one day, I want to be in The Navy. That also helps with conditioning and mental focus.”
Competing in the 182-pound division means going up against wrestlers who are both quick and strong. More often than not, Justin is stronger than his opponent, and he uses that advantage to put himself in a winning situation.
“My lower body is really strong, and I’m able to overpower some kids,” Justin says. “I know I need to work on my speed a little bit more, but being strong helps a lot.”
Head Coach Jesse Hurlburt feels proud of Justin for having racked up 70 wins during his first two seasons on the team. Hurlburt says that Justin is not only an insurmountable force, he’s also a true student of the sport. In addition to his individual achievements, Justin helped Coach Hurlburt’s squad notch 19 wins and claim its first division title this winter.
“Justin has a constant work ethic. There’s not a second he’s not pushing the pace or trying to score,” says Hurlburt. “Justin is constantly lifting and dedicated to being the best overall student-athlete he can be. He’s constantly asking for techniques he can try to improve on and is always watching his highlight tapes. This ability to be consistent in the way he trains is a big part of his success.”
With two great campaigns already under his belt, Justin is primed to continue setting the bar higher during the latter half of his high school career.
“I definitely want to place higher at the State Open, and I want to place at New Englands my junior year,” says Justin. “Depending on what I do my junior year, I’ll set my standards higher for my senior year.”