Binghamton's Lister pins Penn State wrestler at 2010 NCAA Championship

Binghamton sophomore 157-pound Justin Lister made his mark at the NCAA Division I Wrestling Championship in Omaha, Neb. and in the process, brought more attention to the rapid rise of BU's entire program.

The unseeded Lister's two pins over top-4 opponents, fourth place finish and All-America honors caught the attention of wrestling competitors and spectators alike. His advancement plus six wins from BU's five other qualifiers gave the Bearcats 26.0 team points, good for a share of 21st place in the final standings.

The showing on the sport's highest stage capped a remarkable 2009-10 season for head coach Pat Popolizio and his team. The accomplishments included: * Highest national team finish in D-I history (T-21st) * Highest individual NCAA placewinner (Lister, 4th at 157) * First BU wrestler to advance to NCAA semifinals (Lister) * Highest NCAA finish by any unseeded wrestler in seven years (Lister) * Most NCAA qualifiers (6) * Second-most NCAA underclassmen qualifiers in entire country (4) * First conference championship at any level (CAA title) * Most individual conference champions (four CAA champions) * Highest dual meet win percentage in 26 years (14-7-2, .652)

Lister's four wins - especially his pins over fourth-seeded Cyler Sanderson of Penn State and third-seeded Jesse Dong of Virginia Tech - generated substantial buzz throughout the venue. His shocking pin of Dong - in just 1:18 - was one of only two pins earned in the quarterfinals, semifinals and finals of all the weight classes (70 matches). That fall clinched All-America honors for Lister, who later dropped Sanderson, a former All-American, three-time NCAA qualifier and Big 12 champion for Iowa State, in the consolation semifinals. Lister finished his second collegiate season with a 32-10 record, including 10 pins.

"This is the big show. This is where it all happens," Lister said of competing in the NCAA Championship for the first time. "I just had to start believing I belong with the best 157-pounders in the nation. Hopefully I put a big dent in the rankings for next year."

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• Binghamton
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• Bearcats
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• Popolizio
• Dennis
• Papadatos
• 2010
• NCAA
• Wrestling
• Championship

[xxhowdlyxx]

glad to see binghamton getting more attention and lister is a big reason for that