For wrestlers, making weight isn’t just a requirement, it is one of the most grueling and mentally tough aspects of the sport. However, what is the true meaning behind making weight in wrestling?
When exploring the aspects of wrestling, making weight is often seen as an afterthought that many people fail to analyze as they watch the sport. The wrestlers weigh the close same amount throughout each weight class, only fluctuating maximum 5 pounds between each other’s weight.
For example, if a wrestler is 122 pounds, they will be put in the 125 weight class because they are too heavy for 120. So, anyone 121-125 would fall in the 125 category, which allows for fairness in matches, and minimizes wavering weights, unmanageable for some wrestlers.
Although this process seems simple, it is far from that. Understanding how weight classes operate is crucial to recognizing why making weight carries so much pressure for wrestlers. Weigh-ins typically take place shortly prior to a tournament, meaning the athletes must hold and maintain that weight until they step on the scale.
If a wrestler is even slightly over or under weight, they will often be unable to compete that day due to rules preventing weight class bump ups or downs. These rules are put in place for the prevention of unsafe weight cutting, and to allow fairness among the athletes to compete.
Behind these distinct rules though, lies process. Process is what truly matters in wrestling, and represents the hard-work that so many athletes put in.
Things like diet are all wrestlers think about in terms of making weight, because it is usually the biggest factor. When thinking about food and even water, wrestlers have to be extremely cautious when planning out their meals to perfection. However, for girls wrestlers, it proves to be harder than some boys at times.
“…making weight is less predictable for girls. Hormones and water weight can change the scale even when I’m doing everything right,” first-year wrestler, Kendall White said.
However, for anyone in wrestling, the aspect of discipline lingers more than anything, and it takes a great level of self-control and motivation for your sport to be able to implement this discipline to its fullest extent.
“Whether it’s being in a calorie deficit, throwing in extra workouts outside of practice, or saying no to a sweet treat during the season, strict discipline is an absolute necessity in your daily lifestyle,” junior wrestler, Cohen Davis said.
Within this tedious and stressful process though, wrestlers must stay calm and collected to do what they love most, and to avoid getting overwhelmed by the little things. It is a mental game like any other sport, and all athletes must work to show they are capable even when things prove to be challenging.
“I stay mentally tough by breaking things into small moments instead of thinking about everything at once,” Kendall White said, “I remind myself that being tired or stressed is temporary, and I trust my coaches, my training, and my teammates to help me push through.”
Making weight is no easy task to face, and no wrestler wants to be met with the reality of exceeding or undercutting their weight class at a tournament. However, focus and drive fuel these tough athletes to the finish line. It can be a rewarding process just as much as it is daunting, but mental resilience is always the key to success.
“Self-control helps me stay calm and improve each time I step on the mat,” White said, “I’ve learned that showing up and not giving up is more important than winning.”
