Rumors Fly About High School Weight Class Changes

[Alvin Washington of ISNet]

Hey y'all!!!!

There are rumors flying on TheMat.com that the NFHS could be dropping the total weight classes to 12 from 14 and making them heavier. Lending credence to the rumors is an official who mentioned that he received word of this possible change from his association. Many posters are offering a reason for the possible change as it would align the high schools weights closely with the collegiate and international/Olympic weights.

The NFHS tabled a decision on it last year but could rule on it late this year at the SPring meetings. I'll try to keep you posted on this, but you can offer your opinions now.

[mckbln]

Big mistake if they eliminate the lowest weight classes. The current weights are fine for high school kids. Secondly, the weights are already close between Collegiate and Olympic wrestling. If it isn't broke, don't try and "fix" it!

[MR TWISTER]

I read that post on themat.com. They should add 98 pounds. It is a shame that the little guys that can wrestle get punished. I know someone will say it is a Jr. high weight but so what. Every year we miss out on see some great wrestlers because they are too small. Recently I can think of Kennedy three years ago would of won a 98lb title. McAullife last year and Futrell this year.

Also why no weight in between 215 and 275. Maybe 245. Doesn't make since to eliminate potential wrestlers by not giving them a fair chance. Very few sports have the same rules as the top level. Why should wrestling.

[Joe_Predicto]

Gentlemen,,,

It is a FACT with doctors, specialists, and every survey in existence
now that kids are bigger today than years past, period.

I am not trying to slight the little guys in any way, but in my
opinion, the weight classes for VARSITY is high school should
start at 110 lbs, then move up from there, and I agree with
Twist, the upper weights are way off.

By doing this, you will eliminate two problems, kids trying to
drop signicificant amounts of weight before the hydration
tests, (which is a joke by the way), and easily circumvented.
and it will give kids a chance to get in the weight room, and
pump iron to get a bit stronger, and quicker by adding pure
muscle instead if water weight.

Food for thought:

16 classes for High School Varsity:

110
115
125
135
140
145
150
155
165
170
175
190
200
225
245
280

[hardnosed]

It would be moronic to eliminate 103 and start at 110. Twist has a great idea with the 98 talk. There was also talk a few years back about starting 100, 106, 112, ........ I really don't understand predicto' weight classes. There is a 98 in Junior Nationals, 110 was and now will be the lowest Olympic Weight (2008) and I Pennslyvania (I believe-maybe New York) has a 96 lb weight class. Too many good wrestlers at the lighter weights. It is nearly impossible to qualify for state at those weights without wrestling before.

[whizzer in the wind]

I agree it would be beneficial to add weight classes, going from 14 to 16 classes. It would add a lot to coaching strategy, much like is seen at IKWF level..
I strongly disagree that the opening varsity weight class should be 110. Keep it at 103lbs. One of the best things about wrestling is that little guys can compete at the varsity level. Also, when you look at the 103 lb state champs, many are superstuds at heavier weights later in their career. Lastly, anyone who says otherwise is just a big fat ***. :)

[greateststoryevertold]

13 not 14(it eliminates a tie breaker)
110 is a good starter (most 103's and 112's are fr and soph to easy to win)
1. 110
2. 118
3. 124
4. 130
5. 135
6. 140
7. 145
8. 152
9. 160
10. 166
11. 172
12. 190
13. hwt(290) (when they added 215 they made to bad weights three bad weights. The studs are in the middle)

[Mainefan]

I hope that weight classes in HS don't change. However, there is a reality that we may be forced into it. When my son was a freshman in high school 9 years ago tournaments often had a number of teams forfeiting 275 while very few forfeits at 103. Now I go to tournaments with full fields of 215 and 275 while 103 and 112 classes are reduced. Americans weight gain has even affected wrestling.

[Tipper]

13 not 14(it eliminates a tie breaker)
110 is a good starter (most 103's and 112's are fr and soph to easy to win)
1. 110
2. 118
3. 124
4. 130
5. 135
6. 140
7. 145
8. 152
9. 160
10. 166
11. 172
12. 190
13. hwt(290) (when they added 215 they made to bad weights three bad weights. The studs are in the middle)

Why would you have an 8-pound gap between 110 and 118, then have only 6-pound gap between 166 and 172? The gaps should increase as the weights get higher like they do now (except around 130-145 where there is a larger number of wrestlers than the light and heavy weights)

[littleenginethatcould]

why even mess with the upper weights? from 171 up all the weights are fine. even the gap between 215 and HWT. if theres a 225 pounder either he's losin weight or he should be little enough to be faster than those big guys. even a 245 pounder is fine at HWT. If your that big you should be fit and smart enough to wrestle good at those big weights.

[JustWrestle]

Weights are fine the way they are. I don't see the reasoning in reducing weightclasses, the more wrestlers the better? If anything I'd change it to Freestyle/Greco weights where it goes 98, 105 ect.