Although most athletes would like to be part of the varsity team, there's only room on any given squad for a set number of people. In wrestling, that's limited to 13 players -- one for each weight class. The first weeks of most practice seasons for a wrestling team comprise tryouts, a period in which the coach determines who will fill the varsity roster at the beginning of the competition season.
Conditioning
Wrestling is an incredibly demanding sport and most athletes enter the season physically unprepared for its rigors. The first weeks of wrestling practice, which coincide with the tryouts period, often include intense segments of muscular and cardiovascular training to get team members in shape for competition. Coaches often watch carefully not just for how conditioned their athletes are but also for their attitude and spirit while undergoing these torturous workouts.
Drills
Skill and technique are as important to success in wrestling as raw physical attributes. During the tryout season and throughout competition, wrestlers will train and drill on the moves that they will use on the mat. During tryouts, coaches will watch for skill, technique and how quickly a wrestler adopts a new move.
Team Building
Although wrestling is intensely competitive and fought between individuals, it's also a team sport in which each athlete's performance affects the overall score. During tryouts, team members form bonds and work out the dynamics between the various athletes. This attitude, especially leadership ability, is part of what coaches look at during tryouts.
Weight Control
The weight class structure in wrestling means that each wrestler must choose what weight he wants to compete at. There are advantages and disadvantages associated with wrestling at, slightly above, or slightly below your natural body weight. During the tryout period, individual wrestlers will choose their weight class and manipulate their body weight to match that decision.
Wrestle-Offs
Although coach observation plays some role in choosing the varsity team, most teams hold wrestle-offs to determine who starts at each weight class. Wrestle-offs are like an internal tournament in which all team members compete against one another. The champion at each weight class has the right to wrestle in that spot on the varsity team.
Challenges
Challenges are a traditional part of wrestling culture. A wrestler who is not on the varsity team may challenge the varsity wrestler of his weight class to a match judged by their coach. If he wins, he gets to take the varsity spot until successfully challenged in turn. Most teams include challenges as part of their program, but limit challenges to specific days every week or two.
References
- NCAA Wrestling Rules
- Andy Brick; Wrestling Coach; Hillsboro, Ore
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