What Are the Collegiate Wrestling Weight Classes?

Wrestling is a highly competitive and physically demanding sport that requires athletes to compete in specific weight classes. These weight classes ensure fair competition by pitting athletes of similar size and weight against each other.

In collegiate wrestling, there are ten weight classes that wrestlers compete in. Let’s take a closer look at each of these weight classes.

125 pounds – Flyweight

The first weight class in collegiate wrestling is the flyweight division, which is for wrestlers who weigh up to 125 pounds. These athletes are known for their agility, speed, and quickness on the mat. Wrestlers in this weight class display impressive technical skills in takedowns, escapes, and reversals.

133 pounds – Bantamweight

Moving up from flyweight is the bantamweight division. Wrestlers in this weight class weigh between 126 and 133 pounds. Bantamweights often possess a combination of speed and strength, making for exciting matches on the wrestling mat.

141 pounds – Featherweight

The featherweight division features wrestlers who weigh between 134 and 141 pounds. Athletes in this weight class are known for their quickness and agility, using their speed to outmaneuver opponents and score points.

149 pounds – Lightweight

The lightweight division includes wrestlers weighing between 142 and 149 pounds. Wrestlers in this category often showcase exceptional technique, utilizing their skill set to secure takedowns and control their opponents.

157 pounds – Welterweight

Moving up to welterweight, wrestlers in this division weigh between 150 and 157 pounds. This weight class requires a delicate balance of strength and agility as athletes aim to overpower their opponents while maintaining quickness on the mat.

165 pounds – Middleweight

The middleweight division includes wrestlers weighing between 158 and 165 pounds. Middleweights often possess a good combination of strength, speed, and technique, making for highly competitive matches.

174 pounds – Light Heavyweight

Light heavyweight wrestlers weigh between 166 and 174 pounds. Athletes in this division are known for their power and strength, using their size advantage to control their opponents.

184 pounds – Heavyweight

The heavyweight division is reserved for the largest wrestlers who weigh between 175 and 184 pounds. These athletes possess impressive strength and power, often using their size advantage to dominate on the mat.

197 pounds – Super Heavyweight

Moving up from the heavyweight division is the super heavyweight category. Wrestlers in this class weigh between 185 and 197 pounds. Super heavyweights display incredible strength and power, often overpowering their opponents with ease.

285 pounds – Ultra Heavyweight

The final weight class in collegiate wrestling is the ultra heavyweight division. Athletes in this category weigh over 197 pounds, with no upper limit. Ultra heavyweights are often imposing figures on the mat, relying on their size and strength to control their opponents.

In conclusion,

The ten weight classes in collegiate wrestling provide a fair playing field for athletes of varying sizes and weights. Each weight class has its own unique characteristics, requiring different combinations of speed, agility, technique, and strength to succeed. Whether you’re a fan or a participant in collegiate wrestling, understanding these weight classes adds depth to your appreciation of the sport.