Wrestling weight classes reduction approved

LATHAM – The New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) at its annual summer meeting of the Central Committee today approved utilizing 13 weight classes in the sport of wrestling as a two-year pilot beginning in the 2020-21 school year.

The proposal reduces the number of weight classes from 15 to 13.

It eliminates one weight class at the lower weights and one at the higher weights. The four current weight classes from 99 to 120 will be reduced to three (102, 110 and 118). The four weight classes from 170 to 220 would likewise be reduced to three (172, 189 and 215).

“I think the proposal can be better for wrestling, Medina Wrestling Coach Eric Gross said when the proposal was announced this spring. “Right now there are a lot of forfeits. Overall I think it will help programs all over that are struggling with numbers. I think it’s in the right direction. Hopefully it will make for more competitive dual matches.”

“If it helps programs be better and be more competitive I’m 100 percent behind it,” concurred Albion Wrestling Coach Pat Uveino when the proposal was announced.

The committee’s other decisions included approving a field hockey proposal to allow the game clock to run when a five-goal differential is reached.

A waiver for the nights rest rule and maximum number of contests for JV football players was also approved as were new baseball pitch count restrictions  for the 2021 season.