LISBON FALLS – When Justin Cornell arrived at Lisbon High School, there was little fanfare.

No one knew what to expect from Cornell, who didn’t take long to introduce himself to the rest of the Greyhound wrestling team.

Cornell’s reputation continued to grow with each victory on the mat. It was quickly becoming clear that the young man had a great deal of talent. Last season, he showed those exploits to the rest of the state. During a three-week span, he won championships by sweeping through the Mid-State League, regional and Class C state meets.

“I like being aggressive,” Cornell said. “When I go out on the mat, I’m looking for a (standing) takedown and immediately try for a high crotch to turn my opponent over. The biggest thing that I try to avoid is making a mistake and ending up on my back.”

Cornell traveled to Nebraska with the Friendship Series last summer.

This season, Cornell lost to 2004 Class B state champions Kyle Bonin of Belfast and Joe McGowen of Camden Hills. He was leading in the McGowen match, but was shown the lights by the Windjammers’ spadle move.

Cornell remained focused to place fourth in the Redskin Invitational last weekend. The two-day tournament features several of the best teams in New England. So there were no easy roads to placing in this tournament. The 112 bracket was considered by many to be one of the most competitive weight classes this year.

“He wrestled some great matches to place fourth,” Lisbon coach Mark Stevens said. “His two losses came from the same opponent, last year’s Redskin Champion from Cumberland (Rhode Island). Justin beat Tyler Howe from Danbury Conn., who had just beaten Joe McGowen 15-5.”

Cornell transferred from New Jersey as a sophomore. He placed third in the state meet on the 2003 Greyhound state championship team.

“I spoke to his New Jersey coach,” Stevens said. “I called to ask what kind of kid (Justin) was. I was interested in hearing how he was, both on and off the mat. The coach told me that Justin was quick, but made mental mistakes.”

In his first match against Mt Ararat (non-countable), he was disqualified for locking hands four times.

“Justin works hard, but relies a lot on his natural ability,” Stevens said. “His balance and body awareness is unbelievable. We could all see it, plus he and was very good on his feet.”

Fortunately, Cornell had little choice on which way to proceed. Last season, Cornell trained with former state champions Derek Giusto, Nate Hix and Troy Clark. So, he got better fast and this season is no exception.

“I get a lot out of our practices,” Cornell said. “I work with Charlie Stambach (state champion) and Tyler Clark (state finalist) and we push each other. I feel that you really need to work hard in order to improve.”

The Lisbon team has adopted the philosophy that hard work is essential. This usually translates in to success on the mat. The Greyhounds have one of toughest schedules in the state, and the athletes believe it will make them better.

“Our kids believe in themselves, and work their tails off in practice,” Stevens said.”Practice makes you better, but the test is wrestling the tough matches. The kids learn every time they step on the mat. They train to win, and they learn a lot about themselves in the process. That is what it is really all about. Learning who they are and believing in them selves. Wrestling is just the vehicle we use.”