Frequently Asked Questions: This page contains answers to common questions
of students and parents.
- Why do wrestlers cut weight?
- If my son decides to lose weight, how should it be done?
- How does my son earn a spot on Varsity or B Squad?
- Does earning a Varsity or B-Squad spot on the team guarantee a match?
- How can I let a coach know I will be absent ?
Why do wrestlers cut weight?
The simple answer to this question is they don't have to. I will
never force the wrestlers to cut weight. Ultimately, the
wrestler gets to decide which weight he will wrestle. As a
Coaching Staff we will explain where we think a wrestler will be
most effective and help his team. But again, the decision to
wrestle off at a weight is the wrestlers.
There are some advantages to wrestling at an "optimal" weight.
Wrestlers are generally quicker at their optimal weight, they are
in better shape and therfore have better stamina.
If my son decides to lose weight, how should it be done?
First, I see a lot of wrestlers "cut weight" the wrong
way. They eat a donut, and chocolate milk for breakfast. A rice
krispy bar and chocolate milk or pop for lunch, and skip supper.
They may grab a gatorade in between. Essentially, what they have
done is starved there body of nutritous, fufilling food, and kept
their caloric intake the same.
Step 1: Cut out all soda, candy bars, snack bars, power bars,
sugar cereals, crackers, chips and energy drinks
Step 2: Replace those sweets with fruits and vegetables.
Apples, oranges, bannanas, grapes, watermelon, etc. This will
cure the craving for sweets and provide needed vitamins. Eat
carrots, celery with peanut butter, salads with Italian Dressing
or Vinegrette.
Step 3: Eat whole wheat breads. Avoid white bread, cereals,
crackers and chips. Eat lean meats with real cheese, on whole
wheat bread.
Step 4: Workout every morning except the morning of
meets/tournaments. The goal is to lose unwanted weight or body
fat. We want to keep lean muscle and keep your energy up.
Morning workouts have several benefits. First,
you will actually increase your metabolism. Second, you will be
in better shape than your opponents. Third, you will be able to
eat more throughout the day than if you did nothing.
How does my son earn a spot on Varsity or B Squad?
The wrestlers will wrestle off for starting spots. Your son must
win 2 out of 3 matches against his teammate. Once a wrestler has
earned a spot, he only needs to win the first match against a
challenger to maintain that position. If the varsity or b-squad
wrestler loses that first match, the challenger must win 2 out of
3 to take the spot.
Does earning a Varsity or B-Squad spot on the team guarantee a match?
The simple answer is no. There are several scenarios where a
varsity or b-squad wrestler may not participate in a dual.
First, we cannot control what the other team will have for
opponents. Their "opponent" may not have made
weight, passed skin check, or may have become ill or have been
pulled from the lineup by a coach. Second, coaches may "bump"
their lineup to get more favorable matchups so the team can win.
When this happens, someone may be "bumped" out of the lineup. In
this scenario, it is important to remember that the success of
the team is the number one priority. No individual is more
important than the team. Sometimes bumping is successful,
sometimes it backfires. As a coaching staff we are trying to
give us the best chances of success. Even if it means you son
had to make weight so he couldn't wrestle. Remember, your son
did his job, and we appreciate the sacrafice he made for the team.
How can I let a coach know I will be absent ?
You can call the wrestling office, 356-8326 ext 250. Or email
Coach Brown:
tbrown@pineisland.k12.mn.us
