F.A.Q.
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When is the wrestling season? When are the practices?
Competition starts in mid-November and can last until the middle of February. There are 3-5 local tournaments in the Austin area on Saturdays. The season ends with the state tournament in mid-February. Basketball is really the only sport whose season directly conflicts with the wrestling season. Practices are Tuesday and Thursday from 6 to 7 for elementary school and 7 to 8:30 for middle school.
I’m not very big. Isn't that going to be a disadvantage?
No! Wrestling is one of the few sports where size doesn't matter. Competitions are grouped by both age and weight! There is also a rookie division for 1st year wrestlers, along with a novice division for those in their 2nd year.
Who is a good "prospect" for wrestling?
Almost anyone who has the desire to learn and the heart to compete. Wrestling is a test of strength, conditioning, and skill. You will learn the skills you need during practice, and wrestling itself is a great sport for improving both strength and conditioning. Some of the best wrestlers are tall and skinny, while others are short and compact.
Is Scholastic wrestling the same thing as Olympic wrestling?
Scholastic wrestling is very similar to Olympic Freestyle wrestling. The rules are a little different, but the fundamental skills are the same. All of the members of the U.S. Olympic team have a background in Scholastic wrestling. None of the amateur styles have any relationship whatsoever to Professional Wrestling, which is staged entertainment as opposed to an actual sport. You may also hear Scholastic wrestling referred to as Folkstyle or Collegiate-style.
Are there a lot of injuries in wrestling?
No. The rules are designed to protect the wrestlers from any technique that works against a joint and causes injury. However, wrestling is a tough and physically demanding sport. A quote from USA Wrestling Club Organizing Guide has the following to say about Risk of Injury: “Wrestling is a contact sport and injuries will occur. As would be expected, wrestling has more injuries than tennis and swimming, but most wrestling injuries are minor, consisting of sprains and strains. Wrestling has fewer serious injuries than football, soccer, basketball or ice hockey. There is a lesser chance of getting seriously hurt when wrestling than when riding in a car, skateboarding or riding a dirt bike.”
I play football. Is wrestling a good second sport for me?
Wrestling builds strength and conditioning, and teaches you how to beat the man across from you "one-on-one". It is a very good complement to football, and many NFL players have wrestled in high school and college. While you might expect many linemen to have wrestled, the list also includes Heisman trophy winners like Ricky Williams, Bo Jackson, and Archie Griffin.
Wrestling builds strength and conditioning, and teaches you how to beat the man across from you "one-on-one". It is a very good complement to football, and many NFL players have wrestled in high school and college. While you might expect many linemen to have wrestled, the list also includes Heisman trophy winners like Ricky Williams, Bo Jackson, and Archie Griffin.
What equipment do I need?
All you will need to buy is wrestling shoes. Mouth guards are recommended and required if you wear braces.
Who can I talk to for more information?
If you have more questions, please contact Pat Moore at apmoore@austin.rr.com
