HS wrestling is growing

[Tom McAndrew]

each year, the NFHS (National Federation of High School Sports) does a survey of each of the sports, to examine participation numbers.

They did not do surveys for the 2019-20 and the 2020-21 school years, due to the COVID pandemic.

Wrestling in high school for the 2022-23 school year were at participation numbers not seen since 1978. Boy's participation grew 9.6% from the previous year. That's an improvement, but it's still down from the numbers from 2014-15.

Girl's participation exploded, as it grew 16.0% in 2022-23. It's at the highest number it has ever been in high school wrestling participation. (As an aside, as a ref, I've been kind of surprised by the number of high schools in recent years that had females on their starting roster, though the participation numbers by females are even higher in youth and in middle school wrestling, at least in my region.) I suspect that the female participation numbers will continue to explode, as PA (the PIAA) is now conducting a female state wrestling championship, and many of the girl's programs that were announced by PA high schools are looking to wrestle other girl's programs.

 

[KKBundy]

each year, the NFHS (National Federation of High School Sports) does a survey of each of the sports, to examine participation numbers.

They did not do surveys for the 2019-20 and the 2020-21 school years, due to the COVID pandemic.

Wrestling in high school for the 2022-23 school year were at participation numbers not seen since 1978. Boy's participation grew 9.6% from the previous year. That's an improvement, but it's still down from the numbers from 2014-15.

Girl's participation exploded, as it grew 16.0% in 2022-23. It's at the highest number it has ever been in high school wrestling participation. (As an aside, as a ref, I've been kind of surprised by the number of high schools in recent years that had females on their starting roster, though the participation numbers by females are even higher in youth and in middle school wrestling, at least in my region.) I suspect that the female participation numbers will continue to explode, as PA (the PIAA) is now conducting a female state wrestling championship, and many of the girl's programs that were announced by PA high schools are looking to wrestle other girl's programs.

Thanks much for posting this!

 

[WSTLion87]

While I was not a good athlete what I loved about amateur wrestling was that it was a no-cut sport. Our junior high coach would always tell us the first week of practice...All this week come to practice and bring a buddy. We want the highest numbers of any sport in the district. We don't cut. Everyone who comes out is on the team as long as he follows the rules... No smoking, drinking, cutting class, cutting practice, bad attitudes. I was never a starter but was a member of some championship teams and made many lifelong friends!

 

[SurgeOne]

While I was not a good athlete what I loved about amateur wrestling was that it was a no-cut sport. Our junior high coach would always tell us the first week of practice...All this week come to practice and bring a buddy. We want the highest numbers of any sport in the district. We don't cut. Everyone who comes out is on the team as long as he follows the rules... No smoking, drinking, cutting class, cutting practice, bad attitudes. I was never a starter but was a member of some championship teams and made many lifelong friends!

Been a wrestler from single dig’s thru High Skool. Not good enuff for college. Love the sport. I am waaay too emotionally invested in Penn St Wrestling and NLWC. Love it! Love all the guys that have come thru the program and will follow all that they do. I give a decent amt of $ to it on several levels as it gives me more joy in return. Everyone should give a bit- let’s keep this dynasty going

 

[lockhavenlion3]

agree. we underwrite a wrestling scholarship, and it's been a pure joy following the great young men who have received it over the years. class individuals and great wrestlers and champs, every one.