Justin was a ferocious competitor on the field but cherished his friends and teammates year round. Being a baseball player is all he ever wanted to be and that’s exactly what he was for almost his entire life. JT hung up his glove after a year of college baseball at Dallas Christian and left for Texas Tech. He said he wanted to go through rush and pledge a fraternity and he did, where he made countless friends. 

The JT Strong Scholarship is an award of grit and hustle. It’s offered annually to area high school baseball players who are headed off to college in hopes of being leaders of our communities when they return. Hard work, hard hard-headedness and hustle.  

Justin’s father Jim is a graduate of Paschal High School and a continued supporter of the baseball program over many years. He experienced the tragedy of Drew Medford and witnessed the formation and development of The Drew Medford Memorial Classic Baseball Tournament where scholarships are awarded to baseball players that are seeking financial assistance as students. This was the footprint for a program that he and Justin’s mom Jan used to create JT’s legacy. He accomplished every goal he ever set through determination and hard work. Good grades help but the essay is a key component and what is looked at the most when determining a winner.