A key aspect of wrestling is meeting the required weight goal that qualifies for a certain weight class in order to participate in the sport. The purpose of this is to ensure that wrestlers are competing against opponents of equal caliber. While some wrestlers do not need to lose or gain weight at all before the season starts, others may be required to lose or gain around five to ten pounds.

To prepare for the upcoming season, the team does conditioning. This allows the wrestlers to get in shape and aids in reaching their desired weight for them to compete. The wrestling team at Deerfield Beach High School trains extensively to ensure they weigh within their assigned weight class and are strong enough for such an intense sport.

“Before the season starts, we do as much running as possible and a lot of pull-ups and push ups to build muscular endurance and stamina,” senior Jonathan Quettant said. “During the season, we train five times a week, which can be difficult.”

While it can be necessary for wrestlers to cut or gain weight to fit in their respective categories for matches, any attempt to gain or lose weight should be approached with care and supervision. The coaches of the wrestling team at DBHS go out of their way to help their players by making sure their team knows how to safely train.

“Getting into shape involves a lot of cardio and I try to do strength building exercises with two of my coaches to help,” team captain Ryan Anderson said.

Maintaining weight is a troublesome task that wrestlers must tackle throughout the entire season. It is normal for body weight to fluctuate. However, no matter the circumstance, it is crucial for wrestlers to stay in their weight class.

“It’s definitely hard physically to maintain the weight that I wrestle at,” Anderson said. “It takes a lot of discipline and sacrifice.”

At the end of the day, wrestling is not just about weight goals and training, it is also about determination and self-improvement. Even when things become difficult, having a team to rely on can relieve that stress and serve as motivation to keep going.

“I was always sore and tired in the beginning,” Quettant said, “But I love my teammates and coaches, so I kept at it and now I love wrestling.”

Similar to other sports, wrestling can teach many life lessons that can be beneficial down the road. It allows players to develop into great athletes and become well-rounded adults. This may be why so many are attracted to this sport.

“Wrestling teaches you accountability, discipline, the values of sacrifice and taking that extra step when doing something, and most importantly it teaches you to have mental fortitude,” Anderson said.

Regardless of the difficulties of this obstacle, wrestling remains a cherished and respected sport due to all it has to offer.

Written by Reema Shather | Graphic Designed by Reema Shather

Published January 11, 2021 | ePathfinder | Sports