High school wrestling is a competitive sport that involves grappling techniques and skills, with the primary goal of pinning an opponent to the mat. It is governed by specific rules and regulations that vary by state and organization, but the fundamentals remain consistent.
Nineteen Beggs High School students (and the number is still growing) will take the mat this season as members of the new BHS Wrestling Team. Of those potential athletes, two are female.
The grapplers will be in action this weekend at the Okmulgee High School Wrestling Tournament.
The team is coached by Jesse Pannell and Catherine Warner.
Dean Richardson, BHS sophomore, said his family has been waiting for 15 years for this.
“I’m excited that Beggs finally has a wrestling program,” said Richardson.
Richardson previously competed in the sport from the age of 7-10 in a league in Sapulpa.
Another Demon scrapper with experience will be BHS junior Oliver Wadsworth, who previously wrestled for two years with a club out of Morris.
“I’ve been waiting for this for years,” said Wadsworth. He stated that he has been excited about wrestling since he was young.
Approximately, one-third of the team has at least some experience in the sport.
Stay tuned for results from all scheduled meets.
For those new to the sport, here are some key aspects of high school wrestling:
### Weight Classes
Wrestlers compete in designated weight classes to ensure fair matchups. Common weight classes in high school wrestling (in the U.S.) range from around 106 pounds to 285 pounds, with divisions varying slightly by state and governing bodies.
### Seasons and Competitions
The wrestling season typically begins in late fall or early winter and culminates in state championships and regional competitions. Dual meets (teams wrestling against each other) and tournaments (individual wrestlers competing for placements) are common formats for competitions.
### Techniques
Wrestling involves various techniques, including:
- Takedowns: Getting a wrestler to the mat from a standing position.
- Escapes: Getting out from underneath an opponent when pinned.
- Reversals: Changing positions to gain control over an opponent.
- Pins: Holding an opponent's shoulders on the mat for a specified duration, resulting in a victory.
### Benefits
In addition to physical conditioning and strength building, wrestling teaches discipline, sportsmanship, and mental toughness. It can also offer scholarship opportunities for athletes looking to continue their sport at the collegiate level.
### Coaching and Training
High school wrestling teams often have one or more coaches who focus on developing skills, conditioning athletes, and strategizing for matches. Practices usually involve drills, sparring, and conditioning workouts.
### Safety
Safety is a significant concern, and measures such as weight management programs, proper mat surfaces, and protective gear (e.g., mouthguards, headgear) are typically enforced to minimize injury risks.
Each state may also have its own governing body for high school athletics that regulates the sport, including eligibility, competition rules, and postseason events.