Athlete Showcase: Dowagiac’s Justin Lyle
Published 6:19 am Friday, December 23, 2016
Justin Lyle is a junior on the Dowagiac wrestling team.
What has been one of your greatest accomplishments as an athlete?
JL: Making it to the regional tournament as a freshman.
What has been one of your biggest disappointments as an athlete?
JL: The school getting rid of the wrestling room after all the time making it.
What has been a hardship in your life?
JL: Tearing my ACL and the long road to recovery.
Who is a “hero” in your life and why?
JL: My father. He has set the example for me on how to be a great man.
When are you the most nervous while you are competing?
JL: Always. You just have to now show it.
Describe an embarrassing athletic moment.
JL: I once had a kid scream “get off me” during a match.
How do you tend to work out/train when by yourself?
JL: Conditioning up at the high school with my father.
What other sport would you like to compete in if you were not playing yours?
JL: I would like to try playing rugby.
Why are sports an important part of a high school experience?
JL: To take me out of my comfort zone.
How would you give away $50,000?
JL: I would donate the funds to the Make A Wish Foundation.
If you could be the head coach of a team for a year, what team would you choose?
JL: I do not want to be a coach. I would be awful.
If I did not play sports, I would…?
JL: Focus on extra curricular activities such as robotics and AV Club.
What is the most challenging thing for you to do in your sport?
JL: Wrestling for the full six minutes.
If you could change one rule about your sport, what would it be?
JL: Having the optional start.
What was the scariest thing you have had to do? Are you glad you did it?
JL: Losing 12 pounds in a day to wrestle. I am glad I did it because I realized I could do what I set my mind to.
What was the last thing you saw someone do that really impressed you?
JL: Donovan Schoff pinning Schoolcraft’s 189-pounder.
What is your favorite hobby? Why?
JL: I enjoy learning, because knowledge is applicable to all aspects.