Draft:Justin Dygert

Justin Dygert (born September 13, 1986) is an American former wrestler and decorated military veteran.

Early Life and Education
Justin Dygert was born and raised in Ukiah, California. He attended Ukiah High School, where he graduated in 2004. During his high school years, Dygert was a standout athlete, earning the title of Athlete of the Year and the MVP blanket award for his achievements in both wrestling and soccer. His passion for wrestling led to a highly successful high school wrestling career, highlighted by his performance in the CIF California Wrestling State Championships. As a junior, he placed fourth, and in his senior year, he reached the finals, narrowly losing to TJ Dillashaw in a historic match that went into overtime. Dillashaw would later become the UFC Bantamweight Champion in 2014. Dygert's impressive wrestling career also includes being a two-time California state champion in freestyle wrestling, a one-time California Greco-Roman state champion, and an All-American, having placed third in the USA Wrestling Nationals.

College and Early Career
Dygert received a full-ride scholarship to UC Davis for wrestling and enrolled in the university, pursuing a degree in Computer Science and Programming. After redshirting his first year in college, he decided to change his career path and enlisted in the U.S. Army in 2006.

Military Service
Justin Dygert served in the U.S. Army for nearly six years, achieving a distinguished and decorated career. He deployed on multiple tours, including:


 * Iraq (2008): Serving with 2-325 A.I.R. Delta Company in the 82nd Airborne Division.
 * Somalia (2009): Joining Company B, 3rd Ranger Battalion after successfully completing Ranger School (Class 10-09).
 * Afghanistan (2009):
 * Iraq (second tour):
 * Haiti: Participated in presidential security through the Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC).

While with the 3rd Ranger Battalion, Dygert was involved in several Armed Forces Expeditions, earning accolades such as the Arrowhead Device for deployments to the Dominican Republic, Somalia, Afghanistan, and Iraq. His notable military awards and accomplishments include:


 * President's 100 List (2009): Recognized as one of the best marksmen in America.
 * Ranger School Graduate (Class 10-09)
 * Sniper School Graduate
 * Airborne School Graduate
 * Expert Infantryman Badge (EIB)
 * Purple Heart Recipient (2008): Injured by an IED blast in Baghdad.
 * Top Secret Security Clearance
 * Armor School Graduate
 * Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape (SERE) Course Completion (01-09)
 * JSOC Member (2009-2011)

Post-Military Career and Wrestling Return
After leaving the military, Dygert returned to the wrestling scene, competing at 125 lbs. He placed third in the World Team Trials, making it to the Team USA Qualifiers. Although he did not make the Olympic team, his return to competitive wrestling was notable.

Following his competitive wrestling career, Dygert returned to Ukiah, where he dedicated four years to coaching his local high school wrestling team, imparting his knowledge and passion for the sport to the next generation before retiring from wrestling.