Justin Karkula enters his sixth year with the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire wrestling coaching staff during the 2022-23 season.

Karkula was a part of the 2021-22 record setting season where the Blugolds finished the season with titles at the Messiah Invitational, 8 Man Battles and Pete Willson Invitational. In addition to a runner-up finish in the WIAC and Upper Midwest Regionals, the Blugolds had 11 Scholar All-Americans and 5 NCAA qualifiers. Karkula was a part of the Upper Midwest Regional Coaching Staff of the Year for his efforts. He was also the Joe Merten Coaching award winner in October of 2022. Karkula's role within the coaching staff is technique development with the HWT wrestlers, local area recruiting and home event management.

Karkula wrestled for the Blugolds from 2014-2017. He won 93 matches in his four-year career and qualified for the NCAA tournament in 2015 at Heavyweight. He also was a University Greco All-American during his college career.

Karkula graduated from Oshkosh West High School and excelled in all three styles of wrestling during that time. He was a Freestyle All-American in Fargo with World Champions J'Den Cox and Kyle Snyder in his pool. 

Karkula graduated from UW-Eau Claire and works as a science teacher in the Augusta School District.  He resides in Eau Claire with his wife, Katherine.

"Justin is the staff member that has been at the school for the longest time as he started in 2013," said head coach Tim Fader. "He has been a constant Blugold since that time as an athlete or coach. His contributions to the program grow each year. Justin has taken over running all of our home events from set up to take down and the 8 Man Battles, Upper Midwest Regional and Don Parker have all been first class tournaments because of his efforts. We are proud of his recognition as the Joe Merten award winner on our campus this fall."

Updated: 10/23/2022