How Do You Get Recruited for College Wrestling?

Wrestling is a highly competitive sport, and many athletes dream of competing at the college level. If you are an aspiring wrestler looking to get recruited by college programs, it’s important to understand the process and take proactive steps to increase your chances of success.

1. Start Early and Set Goals

Getting recruited for college wrestling begins well before your senior year of high school. Starting early allows you to gain experience, improve your skills, and catch the attention of college coaches.

Tip: Set specific goals for yourself, such as winning tournaments or improving your technique. These goals will help you stay focused and motivated throughout the recruiting process.

2. Attend Wrestling Camps

To showcase your talent and skills, attending wrestling camps can be a great opportunity. Camps provide exposure to college coaches who often serve as instructors or evaluators at these events.

Note: Look for reputable camps where you can learn from experienced coaches and compete against other talented wrestlers.

3. Build a Strong Wrestling Resume

A wrestling resume serves as your athletic portfolio when reaching out to college coaches. It should include essential information such as:

Your contact information
Your weight class and wrestling statistics
Tournament results and accolades
Academic achievements
A list of references (e.g., coaches or mentors)

4. Create a Highlight Video

A highlight video is an effective tool that allows college coaches to see your skills in action. Compile clips showcasing your best matches, takedowns, escapes, and pins. Make sure the video is well-edited and showcases your strengths as a wrestler.

Pro tip: Include your wrestling resume and contact information in the video description or as an overlay.

5. Research College Wrestling Programs

Before reaching out to college coaches, research wrestling programs that align with your goals and abilities. Consider factors such as the coach’s reputation, the team’s performance, and the college’s academic offerings.

Note: Create a list of Target schools that you want to pursue and prioritize them based on your preferences.

6. Contact College Coaches

Once you have identified potential schools, reach out to their wrestling coaches to express your interest in their program. Introduce yourself through email or phone calls and provide them with your wrestling resume and highlight video.

Tip: Personalize each communication by mentioning specific reasons why you are interested in their program.

7. Attend College Wrestling Showcases

Showcases or tournaments specifically organized for college recruiting can be excellent opportunities to compete against other aspiring college wrestlers while catching the attention of college coaches who attend these events.

8. Maintain Academic Excellence

In addition to your athletic abilities, colleges also evaluate your academic performance. Focus on maintaining good grades throughout high school and consider taking challenging courses that demonstrate your commitment to academics.

In conclusion,

Becoming a recruited wrestler requires dedication, persistence, and strategic planning. By starting early, attending camps, building a strong wrestling resume, creating a highlight video, researching programs, contacting coaches directly, attending showcases, and excelling academically – you can increase your chances of getting recruited for college wrestling.