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Collegiate wrestling

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Collegiate wrestling often requires great endurance and strength as well as skill to last through the physically intense match.
Wrestling requires great foresight to execute the holds. With the right strategy, a wrestler can secure a pin or a near fall.

Collegiate wrestling (sometimes known as scholastic wrestling or folkstyle wrestling) is the commonly-used name of amateur wrestling practiced at the college and university level in the United States. A very similar style is practiced at the high school and middle school levels, and also for younger participants. The term is used to distinguish the styles of wrestling used other parts of the world, and for those of the Olympic Games: Freestyle wrestling and Greco-Roman wrestling.

Folkstyle wrestling also refers to the indigenous styles in various other countries. For example, Böke can accurately be described as Mongolia's folkstyle.



Contrast with the International Styles

In collegiate wrestling, great emphasis is placed on one wrestler's control of the opponent on the mat.
Throws can be performed in collegiate wrestling, but there is not as much emphasis placed on them as in the international styles.

Collegiate wrestling differs in a number of ways from Freestyle and Greco-Roman:

  • Scoring differences - for example, in collegiate wrestling, points are not given for forcing the opponent's shoulders to quickly rotate through facing the mat. Instead, for example, one of the opponent's shoulders must be held on the mat and the other of the opponent's shoulders forced within at an angle of 45 degrees or less from the mat for 2-5 seconds to score. The points generated in this situation are called "near fall points." This shows a difference in focus: while the international styles encourage explosive action, collegiate wrestling encourages and rewards control over the opponent. A wrestler can win the match by pinning both of his opponent's shoulders or scapulae (shoulder blades) to the mat.
  • An additional position for periods after the first period, and various other situations. All three styles begin a match with both wrestlers facing each other on their feet with the opportunity given to both to score a takedown (force the opponent to the mat and into an inferior position). In collegiate wrestling, once a takedown is scored, the wrestler in the inferior (defensive or bottom) position remains there until he escapes the hold, the period ends, or various penalty situations occur. The inferior position is similar to a choice for a starting position of the second and third periods, where it is called the referee's position (equivalent to the "par terre" position in the international wrestling styles). By choosing the bottom place in the referee's position, the wrestler has the advantage of greater scoring possibility, as escaping is easier than scoring a takedown from the neutral position or scoring near fall points from the superior position. In the international styles, where the escape point was difficult to achieve and is now no longer awarded, the inferior position is used to penalize a wrestler who has committed an illegal act.
  • De-emphasis on "throws", or maneuvers where the other wrestler is taken off his feet, through the air to land on his back or shoulders. The de-emphasis on throws is another example of how collegiate wrestling emphasises dominance or control, as opposed to the element of risk. A throw is awarded the same amount of points as any other takedown, whereas the international styles will award additional points for throws, especially those of great amplitude. However, many collegiate wrestlers still incorporate some throws into their repertoire of moves because a thrown opponent often lands in a position more conducive to producing a pin. In the international styles, a well-executed throw can win the period, whereas in collegiate wrestling, it will be worth only two points and in some age groups may even be illegal. However, the throw can land the opposing wrestler on his back, resulting in a pin or near fall points.

Weight Classes

Main article: Wrestling weight classes

The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) largely regulates college-level wrestling and generally sets the standard for weight classes for college-level dual meets, multiple duals, and tournaments. A wrestler must normally be weighed in before the first official team practice for his minimum weight class. Then, the wrestler may not compete below that weight class and may not compete at one weight class higher than his minumum weight. If a wrestler does gain weight over his certified weight class and wrestles at a higher class, he forfeits his previous lowest weight class for another one. Weight certifications, weight management plans, and hydration tests have been instituted in order to protect the wrestler's health.[1] The following are the 10 main weight classes currently open to college-level competition:

  • 125 lb
  • 133 lb
  • 141 lb
  • 149 lb
  • 157 lb
  • 165 lb
  • 174 lb
  • 184 lb
  • 197 lb
  • Heavyweight (183-285 lb)[2]

Also:

File:A Bridge Too Late.jpg
Often, a defensive wrestler will attempt to "bridge" (when in a supine position, to lift one's body up by the neck with the back arched away from the mat and only the feet and hands or the feet and head on the mat[4]) out to escape the opponent's hold, particularly in a near fall or pin situation.

Match Format

A bout between two wrestlers is called a match. It consists of three periods, with an overtime round if necessary if the score is tied at the end of regulation. Each period lasts from 1 to 3 minutes depending on the age group of the competitors. Period lengths vary for age groups below high school and are different from state to state. In high school, all three periods last for 2 minutes, with varying overtime rules. In college, a 3 minute first period is followed by a pair of 2 minute periods with a potential quintuple overtime.

The college wrestler in light blue is attempting a takedown to the mat for two points, but not without a counter by the defensive wrestler in white.

Normally, two different colleges or universities would compete in what is known as a dual meet. It is possible for there also to be a multiple dual, where more than two wrestling teams compete against each other at the same event on the same day. For example, one college wrestling team may face another wrestling team for the first dual, and then a third wrestling team for the second dual. Also, those two wrestling teams may compete against each other in a dual meet as well. In all cases, after weigh-ins, wrestling matches usually proceed from the lowest to the highest weight class, unless the coaches by mutual decision or random draw choose a particular weight class to be featured first. In that case, the succeeding wrestling matches will follow in sequence. (For example, if the 157 lb weight class competes first, the succeeding wrestling matches will follow until the heavyweight class. Then, beginning at 125 lb, the rest of the matches will follow until the 149 lb match.)[5]

Layout of the Mat

The match takes place on a thick rubber mat that is shock-absorbing to ensure safety. A large outer circle about 28 feet in diameter that designates the wrestling area is marked on the mat. The circumference line of that circle is called the boundary line. The wrestlers are within bounds when at least one wrestler's supporting points (the weight-bearing points of the body, such as the feet, hands, knees, buttocks, etc.) are within this boundary line. Inside the outer circle is an inner circle about 10 feet in diameter. Wrestlers are encouraged to stay within this inner circle or else they risk being penalized for stalling (deliberately attempting to slow down the action of the match). Each wrestler begins action at a starting line inside the inner circle (marked red and green to differentiate opponents). Surrounding the outer circle is a protection area that helps prevent injury.

For high school athletes and older, the wrestling area is 32 feet in diameter. For younger age groups, one mat may be divided into halves or quarters so that multiple matches may be staged on a single mat. A rectangle in the middle of the wresling area designates the starting positions for the 3 periods.

Equipment

  • A singlet is a one-piece wrestling garment made of spandex that should provide a tight and comfortable fit for the wrestler. It is made from nylon or lycra and prevents an opponent from using anything on the wrestler as leverage, although it is not required. The singlets are usually light or dark depending on whether the wrestlers are competing at home or abroad, and they are usually designed according to the school or club's team colors. Wrestlers also have the option of wearing leggings with their singlets.
  • A special pair of shoes is worn by a wrestler to increase their mobility and flexibility. Wrestling shoes are light and flexible in order to provide maximum comfort and movement. Usually made with rubber soles, they help give the wrestler's feet a better grip on the mat.
  • Headgear, equipment worn around the ears to protect them, is mandatory in collegiate (folkstyle) wrestling.[6] This is done to decrease the participant's own risk for injury, as there is the potential to develop cauliflower ear.
  • In addition, special equipment, such as face masks, braces, hair coverings, knee pads, or elbow pads may be worn by either wrestler. Anything worn that prevents normal movement or execution of holds is prohibited.

The Match

At the start of the first period, the two wrestlers are in the neutral position, as shown.
Usually at the start of the second and third periods, both wrestlers start in the referee's position, with one wrestler on the bottom with hands spread out and feet held together, and one wrestler on the top with his hand around the opponent's waist for control.

The main official at the wrestling match is the referee, who is responsible for starting and stopping the match; observing all holds; signaling points; calling penalties such as illegal holds, unnecessary roughness, fleeing the mat, or flagrant misconduct; and finally observing a full view of and determining the pin (or fall). There is also usually at least one assistant referee. Also, scorers and timekeepers may be present to record the points of the two individual wrestlers and note the match time and timeouts (and time advantage), respectively.

  • Pre-match

Each wrestler puts on a green or red ankle band which the referee will use to indicate scoring.

  • First Period

The first period begins with both wrestlers in the neutral (standing) position. The neutral position has the two wrestlers facing each other on their feet with a slight crouch with their arms in from of them at or above waist level.[7] Each wrestler starts with a foot on opposite sides of the starting rectangle. The referee then asks both wrestlers to shake hands, and then signals the start of the match by blowing his whistle. The match commences with each wrestler attempting to takedown his (or her) opponent. The first period in collegiate wrestling on the college and university level is three minutes long.[8] In high school varsity matches, the first period is two minutes long.

  • Second Period

After the first period ends, the referee will flip a coin to determine who gets to choose the starting position of the second period. There are a variety of choices. The wrestler could choose between the neutral (standing) position, or as is most commonly chosen to begin in a place called the referee's position. This is where both wrestlers begin action at the center of the mat with one wrestler (on the defensive) on the bottom with his hands and knees spread apart on the mat and the other (on the offensive) on the top kneeling beside him with one arm wrapped around the bottom wrestler's waist and the other hand on the opponent's near elbow.[9] [10] Most often, the wrestler with the choice chooses the top position, although he could choose the bottom position if he wished. The wrestler could also defer his choice to the beginning of the third period.

More recently, another starting position has been allowed, known as the optional start. After the offensive wrestler indicates his intention to the referee, the referee lets the defensive wrestler adjust and begin in the same manner as in the referee's position. The offensive wrestler then stands behind and places his both his hands on the opponent's back between his neck and his waist (usually in a diamond shape). When the referee starts the action by blowing the whistle, the defensive wrestler then has the opportunity to get back to his feet in a neutral (standing) position.[11] Customarily, the defensive wrestler is then awarded a point for an escape. Any of the starting positions may be used to resume action during a period, when the wrestlers go off the mat, depending on the judgment of the referee as to whether any or which wrestler has the advantage.[12]

The second period is two minutes long.

  • Third Period

The wrestler who did not choose the starting position for the second period now chooses the starting position. This period is also two minutes long.

  • First Overtime or Sudden Victory

If the third period ends in a tie, a one minute sudden death overtime is used. Both wrestlers start in the neutral (standing) position. The first wrestler to score a point wins.

  • Second Overtime

If no points are scored in the first overtime, a 30 second each (one minute total) second overtime is used. Both wrestlers start in the referee's position. The wrestler who scored the first points in the match has the choice of top or bottom position. The two then wrestle. Either of the two wrestlers must try to score as many points as they can. Once the 30 second period is over, the wrestler who was in the bottom position now wrestles on the top in another 30 second period. Whoever scores the most points wins the match.

  • Third Overtime or Ultimate Tiebreaker

If no points were scored or the score is still tied after the second overtime, a final third overtime is used. This overtime last for 30 seconds. Both wrestlers also start in the referee's position. Again, the wrestler who scored the first points in the match has the choice of top or bottom position. The person in the bottom position then must escape to get the win. If the wrestler in the top position rides the bottom wrestler the entire 30 seconds and does not let that wrestler up, he or she wins.

- In college, there is no sudden death third overtime. The third overtime is only for high school, and is meant to supplement the second overtime. On the college level, if no wrestler has won by the end of the second overtime, the overtime round starts over again (first one minute sudden death overtime, and then two 30-second overtime periods for each wrestler) until one wrestler gains points for the victory.[13]

File:Just before the pin.jpg
A near fall can be scored when the bottom wrestler is held on both elbows, as shown.

Scoring

Points are awarded when a certain level of control is gained over your opponent. In general, the wrestler has to be controlling his opponent's hips in order for the referee to determine that you have gained control of your opponent. Scoring can be accomplished in the following ways:

A near fall can also be scored when the defensive wrestler is held with one shoulder on the mat and one shoulder at an angle of 45 degrees or less toward the mat, as shown.
  • Takedown (2 points) - From the neutral position, one wrestler brings the other down onto the mat and establishes control over him. This is most often accomplished by attacking the legs of the opponent, although various throws can also be used to bring a wrestler down to the mat.
  • Reversal (2 points) - A wrestler who is being controlled on the bottom in the defensive reverses control from his opponent.
  • Near fall (2 point version) - A wrestler exposes his opponent's back to the mat for 2 to 4 seconds.

Near fall criteria is met when: (1) the offensive wrestler holds the defensive wrestler in a high bridge or on both elbows; (2) the offensive wrestler holds any part of both his opponent's shoulders or scapulae (shoulder blades) within four inches of the mat; or (3) the offensive wrestler controls the defensive wrestler in such a way that one of the bottom wrestler's shoulders or scapulae, or the head, is touching the mat, and the other shoulder or scapula is held at an angle of 45 degrees or less to the mat.[14] The referee counts the seconds off. Near fall points are also known as "back points." The near fall was formerly known as predicament in college wrestling.[15]

A near fall situation can also occur if both shoulders are within four inches of touching the mat, as shown.
  • Near fall (3 point version) - A wrestler exposes his opponent's back to the mat for 5 seconds or more, meeting the same criteria as the 2 point version of the near fall. After 5 seconds, the referee awards 3 points and stops counting.
  • Escape (1 point) - A wrestler who is being controlled on the bottom manages to escape from his opponent and gets on his feet into the neutral position.
  • Penalty (1 or 2 points) - A point can be awarded by the referee to the opponent for various penalty situations, such as illegal holds, technical violations, or stalling. With some situations, a warning is given after the first occurennce, and if there is another occurrence the penalty point is given. In other situations, there is no warning and penalty points are automatically given. In general, after a certain number of occurrences where penalty points are given, the penalized wrestler is disqualified. A fuller treatment of the situations in which penalty points are awarded is found here and here on pages WR75 to WR78.
  • Time Advantage (or Riding Time) (1 point) - Whenever a wrestler is controlling an opponent on the mat in such a way that prevents an escape or a reversal, he is gaining time advantage (or riding time). A timekeeper then records the time advantange of each wrestler throughout the match. At the end of the third period, one point is awarded to the wrestler with the greatest time advantage, provided that the difference between the two wrestlers is more than a minute. Points for time advantage are only awarded in college competition.[16]

Victory Conditions in Collegiate Wrestling

The object of the entire wrestling match is to attain victory by what is known as the pin or fall. A pin occurs when a wrestler holds both his opponent's shoulders or scapulae (shoulder blades) to the mat for one full second at the college level[17] or two full seconds at the high school and lower levels. A pin ends the match immediately, and the offensive wrestler who held the pin is declared the winner. Pins can be attained in many different ways. The most common way of getting the pin is through the various nelson holds, in particular, the half nelson. Other techniques used to get falls are cradles, the headlock (head and arm), single or double armbars (bar arms), the "back bow" and leg turk, the reverse body lock, the guillotine, the leg split (also known as the banana split or spread eagle), the spladle, the figure-4 head scissors, the straight body scissors, and the double grapevine (also called the Saturday night ride). On the college level in a dual meet (a competition in which wrestlers from two college or university teams face each other), the fall would be awarded with six points for the winning team.[18]

A pin or fall occurs when both shoulders or scapulae (shoulder blades) of the defensive wrestler are held on the mat for a specified amount of time.
Pins (or falls) can be attained in many different technique combinations. The pin situation seen here is that from a double arm tie-up.

A technical fall is also possible once a deficit of 15 points is achieved. A technical fall is very likely when one wrestler has great control over the other and is able to score near fall points. If the wrestler in control is unable to score a pin, the match ends once a likely pinning situation is gone from the wrestling action or when the wrestlers return to a neutral position. On the college-level, if the technical fall occurred with near fall points for the winner during the match, five team points are awarded. If the technical fall occurred with no near fall points for the winner, four team points are awarded.[19]

If no fall or technical fall occurs, a wrestler can also win simply by points. If a wrestler wins by eight or more points, but under the 15 points needed for a technical fall, the win is known as a major decision.[20] This is worth four team points in a dual meet.[21] If the wrestler wins by less than eight points, or wins the first point in a sudden victory overtime period without gaining a fall, default, or a win by an opponent's disqualification, the wrestler then wins by decision[22], worth three team points.[23]

If for any reason, a wrestler is unable to continue competing during the match, his opponent is awarded victory by default[24], worth six team points in a dual meet.[25] If a wrestler is barred from competing further in a match by virtue of acquiring penalties or for flagrant misconduct, his opponent wins by disqualification.[26], again worth six teams points in a dual meet.[27] A wrestler also may gain a victory by forfeit[28], meaning that the other wrestler for some reason fails to appear on the mat at the start of the match. The wrestler could also win by a medical forfeit[29] if for some reason his opponent becomes ill or injured during the course of the match. Both victory by forfeit and medical forfeit are worth six team points in a dual meet.[30] For a wrestler to win by forfeit or medical forfeit however, he must appear on the mat in a wrestling uniform. In a dual meet, when all team points are totaled, the team with the most points wins the competition.

Often, many colleges and universities in the United States will compete with their teams in what is known as a tournament. In the tournament, from eight, 16, 32, to as many as 64 individual wrestlers can compete. This allows many schools to establish their rankings, not only for individual student-wrestlers, but also for college and university wrestling teams as a whole (e.g. the NCAA Wrestling Team Championship). In the tournament, most of the points are scored on the individual level for placement, for example, in a tournament scoring eight places, the winner of a quarterfinal in the championship bracket (where first and second places are awarded) would win six place points. In the wrestleback bracket (where third and fifth places are awarded), the winner of a semifinal match, for example, would receive three place points. Teams are usually awarded one point for every victory in the championship bracket, and one half-point for every victory in the wrestleback bracket. Thus, whole teams are awarded placements (first, second, etc.) based on their total number of victories. A more detailed account of how individual and team points for tournaments are awarded is given here on pages WR60-WR62.

High School Level

Also known as scholastic wrestling when practiced at the high school and middle school (junior high) level, collegiate wrestling is practiced with a few differences at the high school level. Scholastic wrestling is regulated by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS). High school matches are one minute shorter - normally, three two-minute periods instead of having college's three-minute first period. Additionally, college wrestling uses the concept of "time advantage" or "riding time," while high school wrestling does not.

Although technically legal and good for the pin, the hold pictured, the figure-4 head scissors, is an example of a hold that would be deemed a "technical violation" if done in the neutral position. It is also seen in better detail below.
The figure-4 head scissors for the fall.

Every high school is expected to practice wrestling at two levels: varsity and junior varsity. Varsity matches consist of three two minute periods, while junior varisty matches can sometimes consist of three 90-second periods or a one-minute first period and two-minute second and third periods. This difference is explained by the fact that junior varsity wrestlers are presumed to be less skilled and possibly in poorer shape than varsity wrestlers, though this may not always be the case.

In most states, high school wrestlers can compete at 14 different weight classes. To belong to a weight class, a wrestler must weigh less than or equal to the weight value of the class. The weight classes are:

  • 103 lb
  • 112 lb
  • 119 lb
  • 125 lb
  • 130 lb
  • 135 lb
  • 140 lb
  • 145 lb
  • 152 lb
  • 160 lb
  • 171 lb
  • 189 lb
  • 215 lb
  • Heavyweight or 285 lb (275 lb in some states)

Other states have additional weight classes such as:

After winter break weight classes increase by two pounds in some states.

Many tournaments offer an allowance of one or two pounds, allowing wrestlers to compete in a certain class if they are within the allowance of making the weight limit for that class.

Tournaments are often sponsored by a high school and held on Friday, Saturday, or over the two days. Admission is often charged to cover costs and make a small profit for the host. A tournament begins with weigh-ins starting at 6 or 7 AM. Often, a tournament host will field a house team comprised of junior varsity wrestlers from competing schools when there are open slots in the brackets.

Tournaments are usually either varsity or junior varsity competitions.

Most high school wrestling tournaments are in double elimination format. The last two wrestlers in the upper bracket wrestle for first place. In other words, a wrestler cannot place higher than third if he or she is knocked down the lower bracket by a loss. This is largely the result of time constraints: one-day tournaments often last into the evening. If the winner of the lower bracket were allowed to challenge the winner of the upper bracket in the championship, the tournament could continue past midnight before finishing.

Each state or geographic area features two or three "elite" tournaments every year. These events are by invitation only. Hence, the commonly-used name for them, Invitationals. Tournament sponsors (which are usually high schools, though sometimes colleges and universities) invite the best varsity wrestlers from their area to compete against each other. Many elite tournaments last two or even three days. For this reason, elite tournaments are often scheduled during the school's winter break.

The college wrestler in light blue gets a takedown for two points.

Dual Meets

High schools often compete in regional, city-, or county-wide leagues. Dual meets usually take place on Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday evenings during the wrestling season and begin with weigh-ins. Enough time is allotted between weigh-ins and competition to allow wrestlers who are overweight to lose enough weight to qualify for the weight class. Duals often feature one or two pound allowances, but in order to qualify for the league championship, wrestlers are required to weigh in without the benefit of a pound allowance (at scratch weight) a certain number of times during the dual match season.

During a dual meet, both the junior varsity and varsity squads from the two involved schools compete against each other. The format of competition is as follows:

1. The top junior varsity wrestler of each school compete against each other in order of increasing weight class. The dual meet commences with each school's top 103 lb junior varsity wrestler. After that match, the top 112 lb junior varsity wrestlers from each school compete. The meet continues through the junior varsity heavyweight division. Often if more than one junior varsity wrestler is at a certain weight class for each school, the coaches will hold an exhibition match which does not count towards the junior varsity team score but allows the wrestlers to gain more competitive experience. Sometimes matches are not scored for a winning team, allowing wrestlers to focus on skills and technique rather than winning. Sometimes if one school has two junior varsity wrestlers at the same weight and the other school only has one, the lone wrestler may wrestle both the others wrestlers. It is also common for junior varsity wrestlers to compete against wrestlers one or two weight classes above or below them.

Some states such as Ohio start at their heavyweight (285 lb or 275 lb) and then goes from lowest to 215 lb. 2. After a break, the varsity matches commence in the same fashion as the junior varsity matches. However, there are no exhibition matches at the varsity level.

File:A study in leverage.jpg
Lifting can also be done in collegiate wrestling to score takedowns, but it is not as prominent a strategy as in freestyle or Greco-Roman.

In many states, such as Louisiana, the order of competition is determined by a draw. A disk containing each is placed in a bag or a hopper, and the first weight drawn starts the competition. The matches then proceed in order and then revert to 103 lb after the 285 lb bout (unless 103 lb is the first weight drawn, in which case the bouts proceed in order).

Dual Meet Scoring: The junior varsity and varsity competitions are scored separately. Each of the 14 matches (one match for every weight class) is scored on the following criteria:

  • The winning wrestler's team is awarded 3 points if he wins the match on points, with a margin of victory of 7 points or less, known as a decision.
  • The winning wrestler's team is awarded 4 points if he scores a major decision, winning by points with a margin of victory between 8 and 14 points.
    Pinning is the supreme goal in all wrestling, as it also scores the most points in team competitions. This near fall situation is about to turn into a pin (fall) in three seconds.
  • The winning wrestler's team is awarded 5 points, and the match is immediately ended, if said wrestler opens a 15 or more point margin over his opponent. This occurrence is known as a technical fall or technical pin ("tech" for short; slang: "I teched him") because the winning wrestler is assumed to have won by complete domination over his opponent, with the notable absence of a pin (or fall).
  • The winning wrestler's team is awarded 6 points, and the match is immediately ended, if said wrestler pins his opponent.
  • In addition, 6 points are awarded to a team if a wrestler affiliated with that team qualfies for a weight class at which the opposing team qualifies no wrestler. This occasion is known as a forfeit or bye. The existence of the forfeit condition encourages teams to have at least one junior varsity and one varsity competitor at every weight class.
  • In some states, 5 points are awarded for winning a match by superior decision, with a margin of 11 to 14 points. States with a superior decision then award 6 points for a technical fall.

At the end of the dual meet, the points are tallied and the team with the most points wins. As noted above, the points are tallied separately, and it is entirely possible for one participating school to win the junior varsity dual meet and one participating school to win the varsity dual meet.

File:The moment of victory.jpg
Collegiate wrestling is also done in middle school (junior high school) (where it is known as scholastic wrestling), as the student-wrestler in black shown here works with great skill to finally get the pin.

Folkstyle - Age-group Level

At young ages, independent tournaments are often run in the Freestyle and Greco-Roman styles. There are also tournaments where wrestlers compete in a style very similar to collegiate or high school (scholastic) wrestling. To differentiate this style from Freestyle and Greco-Roman, the term folkstyle wrestling is more commonly used term than collegiate. In many places in the United States, there are small associations known as wrestling clubs designed to introduce young people to the sport of wrestling, many of whom are even as young as 3-5 years old. Often these wrestling clubs are benefitted by the experience of older wrestlers, particularly those who wrestle in middle school and high school. The rules governing youth matches largely correspond to those of the NFHS, with shorter periods (generally, depending on the age divisions, the periods typically last anywhere from one to one and a half minutes).[31]

There is, however, much less visible organization of wrestling in the Freestyle and Greco-Roman styles for young wrestlers, especially at the high school and college age levels. Many high school and college students do compete in freestyle and Greco-Roman dual meets and tournaments however with great success, some of which are on the regional and national levels.

Similarly, the differences between collegiate (folkstyle) wrestling and the international styles are enough to create potential disadvantages to the wrestlers not growing up focusing on the international styles. However, some would argue that the real reason the United States does not typically fare as well in international wrestling competitions is because of the greater focus much of the rest of the world places on the sport.

Renowned Collegiate Programs and Competitors

On the collegiate level, several universities are known for regularly having competitive wrestling teams. The Iowa Hawkeyes (University of Iowa) wrestling team, Oklahoma State Cowboys wrestling team, and the Minnesota (University of Minnesota) Golden Gophers wrestling team are three of the most storied and honored programs in the country. Other top programs include Iowa State Cyclones, Ohio State University Buckeyes, Oregon State University Beavers, Lehigh University Mountain Hawks, the University of Oklahoma Sooners, Pennsylvania State University Nittany Lions, the University of Nebraska at Omaha, Augsburg College, and Wartburg College. Collegiate wrestling teams compete for the NCAA wrestling championship each year. The NCAA awards individual championships in ten weight divisions, as well as a team title. Robin Reed, Dan Gable, John Smith, Kenny Monday, Cael Sanderson, and Bruce Baumgartner all excelled at the collegiate level before going on to national, international, and Olympic wrestling championship careers. The Oklahoma State University campus in Stillwater, Oklahoma is host to the National Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum.

See also

Citations

  1. ^ "2007 Wrestling Rules" (PDF). pp. WR27-WR31. NCAA. 2006-08-31. Retrieved 2007-08-10. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  2. ^ "2007 Wrestling Rules" (PDF). p. WR31. NCAA. 2006-08-31. Retrieved 2007-08-10. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  3. ^ "2006-07 Wrestling Plan" (PDF). p. 7. NCWA. 2006-07-01. Retrieved 2007-08-10. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  4. ^ Webster's Sports Dictionary, p. 57, (Springfield, MA: G. & C. Merriam Co. (now Merriam-Webster), 1976).
  5. ^ "2007 Wrestling Rules" (PDF). pp. WR31-WR32. NCAA. 2006-08-31. Retrieved 2007-08-10. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  6. ^ "2007 Wrestling Rules" (PDF). p. WR14. NCAA. 2006-08-31. Retrieved 2007-08-10. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  7. ^ Webster's Sports Dictionary, p. 282, (Springfield, MA: G. & C. Merriam Co. (now Merriam-Webster), 1976).
  8. ^ "2007 Wrestling Rules" (PDF). p. WR10. NCAA. 2006-08-31. Retrieved 2007-08-10. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  9. ^ "2007 Wrestling Rules" (PDF). pp. WR18-WR19. NCAA. 2006-08-31. Retrieved 2007-08-09. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  10. ^ Webster's Sports Dictionary, p. 348, (Springfield, MA: G. & C. Merriam Co. (now Merriam-Webster), 1976).
  11. ^ "2007 Wrestling Rules" (PDF). p. WR19. NCAA. 2006-08-31. Retrieved 2007-08-10. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  12. ^ Webster's Sports Dictionary, p. 348, (Springfield, MA: G. & C. Merriam Co. (now Merriam-Webster), 1976).
  13. ^ "2007 Wrestling Rules" (PDF). pp. WR40-WR42. NCAA. 2006-08-31. Retrieved 2007-08-10. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  14. ^ "2007 Wrestling Rules" (PDF). pp. WR21-WR22. NCAA. 2006-08-31. Retrieved 2007-08-09. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  15. ^ Webster's Sports Dictionary, pp. 279-280, (Springfield, MA: G. & C. Merriam Co. (now Merriam-Webster), 1976).
  16. ^ "2007 Wrestling Rules" (PDF). p. WR23. NCAA. 2006-08-31. Retrieved 2007-08-10. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  17. ^ "2007 Wrestling Rules" (PDF). pp. WR23-WR24. NCAA. 2006-08-31. Retrieved 2007-08-10. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  18. ^ "2007 Wrestling Rules" (PDF). p. WR60. NCAA. 2006-08-31. Retrieved 2007-08-10. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  19. ^ "2007 Wrestling Rules" (PDF). p. WR60. NCAA. 2006-08-31. Retrieved 2007-08-10. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  20. ^ "2007 Wrestling Rules" (PDF). p. WR25. NCAA. 2006-08-31. Retrieved 2007-08-10. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  21. ^ "2007 Wrestling Rules" (PDF). p. WR60. NCAA. 2006-08-31. Retrieved 2007-08-10. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  22. ^ "2007 Wrestling Rules" (PDF). p. WR25. NCAA. 2006-08-31. Retrieved 2007-08-10. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  23. ^ "2007 Wrestling Rules" (PDF). p. WR60. NCAA. 2006-08-31. Retrieved 2007-08-10. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  24. ^ "2007 Wrestling Rules" (PDF). p. WR25. NCAA. 2006-08-31. Retrieved 2007-08-10. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  25. ^ "2007 Wrestling Rules" (PDF). p. WR60. NCAA. 2006-08-31. Retrieved 2007-08-10. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  26. ^ "2007 Wrestling Rules" (PDF). p. WR25. NCAA. 2006-08-31. Retrieved 2007-08-10. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  27. ^ "2007 Wrestling Rules" (PDF). p. WR60. NCAA. 2006-08-31. Retrieved 2007-08-10. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  28. ^ "2007 Wrestling Rules" (PDF). p. WR25. NCAA. 2006-08-31. Retrieved 2007-08-10. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  29. ^ "2007 Wrestling Rules" (PDF). p. WR25. NCAA. 2006-08-31. Retrieved 2007-08-10. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  30. ^ "2007 Wrestling Rules" (PDF). p. WR60. NCAA. 2006-08-31. Retrieved 2007-08-10. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  31. ^ Simley Wrestling Club. "Folkstyle Wrestling Rules". Simley Wrestling Club: Inner Grove Heights, MN. Retrieved 2007-08-12. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)

References

  • G. & C. Merriam Company (now Merriam-Webster) (1976). Webster's Sports Dictionary. G. & C. Merriam Company (now Merriam-Webster). pp. 279–280. ISBN 0877790671.
This high school wrestling match resumes in the referee's position.
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