What Are the College Weight Classes in Wrestling?By Coder| August 30, 2023 Wrestling Wrestling is a popular sport in colleges, and it’s important for athletes to understand the weight classes in order to compete effectively. In this article, we will explore the different weight classes that exist at the college level and discuss what each class entails. The Importance of Weight Classes Weight classes in wrestling are established to ensure fair competition. Athletes are grouped together based on their weight, which helps create a level playing field. This prevents larger and stronger wrestlers from overpowering smaller opponents, leading to more balanced matches. The College Weight Classes College wrestling typically follows the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) weight class system. Let’s take a closer look at each weight class: 125 pounds Flyweight: This is the lightest weight class in college wrestling. Athletes in this category must weigh no more than 125 pounds. Traits: Wrestlers in this weight class are typically agile and quick on their feet. Speed and technique play crucial roles in succeeding at this level. 133 pounds Bantamweight: Wrestlers in this category must weigh no more than 133 pounds. Traits: Athletes competing at this weight class often have a good balance of speed, strength, and technique. They need to be versatile to adapt to different opponents. 141 pounds Featherweight: This weight class allows wrestlers weighing up to 141 pounds. Traits: Athletes in this category need to have a combination of speed, strength, and endurance. They often display excellent takedown skills and defensive maneuvers. 149 pounds Lightweight: Wrestlers in this class must weigh no more than 149 pounds. Traits: Athletes competing at this weight class require a good balance of strength, speed, and agility. They often possess strong technical skills and strategic thinking to outsmart their opponents. 157 pounds Welterweight: This category includes wrestlers weighing up to 157 pounds. Traits: Wrestlers in this weight class need to have a well-rounded skill set. They must be agile on their feet, possess good endurance, and have the ability to execute effective techniques from various positions. 165 pounds Middleweight: Athletes in this class must weigh no more than 165 pounds. Traits: Wrestlers at this weight class are generally strong and agile. They need to have good offensive and defensive capabilities along with superior technical skills. 174 pounds Cruiserweight: This weight class includes wrestlers weighing up to 174 pounds. Traits: Athletes competing at this weight need to possess a combination of strength, agility, and technique. They often display powerful takedowns and strong defensive skills. 184 pounds Heavyweight: Wrestlers in this category must weigh no more than 184 pounds. Traits: Athletes in this weight class are usually powerful and have good endurance. They need to be skilled in both takedowns and escapes to excel at this level. 197 pounds Cruiserweight: This weight class allows wrestlers weighing up to 197 pounds. Traits: Wrestlers competing at this weight class require a combination of strength, speed, and technique. They often display excellent control on the mat and possess strong defensive skills. Heavyweight (285 pounds) Super Heavyweight: This is the heaviest weight class in college wrestling, with no upper limit on weight. Traits: Athletes competing as super heavyweights need to possess immense strength and power. They often rely on their physicality to dominate opponents but also require solid technique to succeed at the college level. In conclusion, understanding the weight classes in college wrestling is essential for athletes aiming to compete at this level. By knowing which weight class they fall into, wrestlers can prepare themselves physically and mentally for fair competition within their respective divisions. It’s important for wrestlers to focus not only on their weight but also on developing the necessary skills and techniques specific to their weight class.
