Traverse City West Senior High School Wrestling Handbook
Pre-Season Goals
· Strive for academic excellence in classroom
· Build strength in the weight room
· Develop basic conditioning
· Develop skills thru drills in the wrestling room
· Begin development of mental toughness
· Eat nutritional meals
In-Season Goals
· Monitor academic performance
· Capture BNC Title
· Undefeated dual meet season in BNC
· Win Team Districts, Top 4 in Team Regionals, and qualify for State tournament
· Get to the Palace for Individual States
· Increase home meet attendance
· Represent Traverse City West Athletics
· Team grade point average above 3.25 (Team Academic All-State)
Post-Season Goals
· Maintain/increase academic performance
· Increase strength in weight room
· Compete on travel teams, MYWAY, and MUSAW events
· Attend at least 1 summer camp/clinic
Equipment Needed
· T-shirts, shorts and/or singlets, headgear and socks
· Wrestling shoes (plan to spend $30 - $70 for a good pair), fit for comfort
· Wrestlers must wear clean clothes for each practice (preferably wear things that can be bleached) Failure to do so will result in disciplinary action
· As a general rule: avoid baggy clothes, long sleeves, sleeveless shirts, zippers and sweats
· Mouth guard is required if you have braces, and recommended for all wrestlers
Equipment Issued
· Singlet – $60
· Warm-up Top- $60
· Warm-up Bottom – $35
· Each wrestler will sign a document that ensures that they are responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged gear
Practice
Normal practice time is 3:30 - 5:15 pm Monday through Friday (except for match days)
· Practices are mandatory and all wrestlers are expected to carry out any other business outside the hours of practice. We know students do other activities, and we don’t want to take anything away from anyone, but please see below for athletic department guidelines. Academics will need to be held at a 2.0 GPA or above. Academics should be taken care of outside of practice, but if there is an issue contact the Head Coach
· Practice attire needs to be clean and the correct size. No zippers, pockets or sleeveless shirts should be worn. Exposed areas/edges can catch fingers/skin, causing injuries
· An un‐excused absence includes, but is not limited to: work, haircuts, dates, etc.
· An excused absence includes, but is not limited to: medical/dental appointments, family emergencies, etc.
· The Head Coach will have final say as to what is an excused or unexcused absence
One Unexcused Absence – Wrestler will not be able to compete in the next competition
Two Unexcused Absences – Wrestler will miss the next two competitions
Three or more Unexcused Absences will require a meeting with the Head Coach, the wrestler and a parent
Wrestle-Offs
Wrestle-offs will be held at the beginning of the year to determine Varsity Team (2 out of 3). Wrestlers must weigh no more than 2 pounds over the weight they want to challenge. Example: 125.00 weight class wrestle off, wrestlers need to weigh no more than 127.00. When two pound allowance is awarded wrestlers need to be 2 pounds from weigh in weight. Example: 125 gets 2 pounds making it 127.0 for weigh in weight of 129.0 for wrestle off.
Wrestlers can also request a Wrestle off for Varsity spot if they have a winning record as a Junior Varsity Wrestler. They will need to beat the Varsity Wrestler 2 out of 3 matches (after warm up, middle of practice and end of practice). If there is a varsity wrestler trying to challenge for another weight class on varsity they can do so as long as they have a winning record. If it is a lower weight class we will monitor weight management to ensure a safe move from a higher weight class. If wrestler has not made scratch weight they will need to make 2 pounds over the scratch weight to challenge. Example: If Wrestler has not made scratch at 145 and 2 pound allowance is effect, wrestler will need to make 147 rather than 149 for the challenge wrestle off. The 145 Varsity spot can weigh 149 because he/she has made that scratch weight.
Varsity wrestlers challenging for another varsity spot will need to win 2 out of 3 matches (after warm up, middle of practice and end of practice).
Dates will be posted for Wrestle-offs based on approved Varsity Wrestling Schedule of competition. Last Wrestle-offs will be the Tuesday before NMC’s so Varsity Wrestlers can focus on the post season.
Extra Curriculum Activities (Band, Choir and Theatre)
· Game/ Event vs Practice =Game/Event
· Game/ Event vs Game Event = Student Choice
· Practice vs Practice= Student Choice
Student choice to be provided to staff 2 weeks in advance of the competition. Please be proactive with students involved in multiple extra-curricular events. Work cooperatively with Fine Arts (and other) staff at all times!
Facility Use
· A coach should be in the room at all times.
· No food/drinks except water bottles allowed in the wrestling room. No street shoes on the mats.
· Only bring what you need for the work-out (all other items should be stored in your locker).
· Before practices, assigned groups should mop mats daily. This should be completed 10 minutes before practice starts.
· The room must be neatly arranged at the end of each practice (equipment stored, mats clean, etc.).
· ANY cleanup needed to be completed by the coaches or managers will be dealt with accordingly.
· In general, this room is our home. Let’s keep it one of the best training facilities in the state.
Mental strength
· Develop the complete mentally tough attitude for competition.
· Eliminate distractions (stands, parents, hype of other wrestlers, recovering from a loss)
· Preparing for the “Battleground” --State Tournament, Dual meet matches or Place matches
· Self Talk - Pump yourself, positive thoughts to achieve goals
· Visualize - -See yourself on the podium, getting your hand raised and winning the match for yourself and team
· Adapt - Always evolving with new techniques, changing moves, learn from previous matches
Create an ALL STATE Mindset and reach goals
Injuries
Athletes will need to report all injuries to a Coaching Staff Member. This will include any skin infections, cuts, scrapes or major injuries. The Athletic Trainer will be notified of any serious injury and will process as he/she sees fit. Medical appointments are excused, but need to be communicated to the Staff. Safety is our first priority and making sure the proper care is given to any athlete. Athletes are encouraged to assist the program in any way that they can as they heal from an injury.
Hygiene
Athletes will shower before they leave the school after practices or wrestling. Wrestlers may get skin infections due to skin to skin contact. Proper hygiene will help eliminate the spread of these infections. Wipes, special soaps and foams are available for sale (see Coach). Clothes and gear need to be washed and clean. Do not share gear. Finger nails and hair need to be trimmed. Failure to comply with rules will result in a meeting with parents, the Head Coach and the Athletic Director.
Weight Management
Wrestlers, parents and coaching staff will try to be on the same page for which weight each wrestler will be able to compete at (subject to Alphas).
Male Weight Classes are: 106, 113, 120, 126, 132, 138, 144, 150, 157, 165, 175, 190 ,215, and 285 respectfully.
Female Weight Classes are: 100, 105, 110, 115, 120, 125, 130, 135, 140, 145, 155, 170, 190, 235 respectfully.
Wrestlers are responsible to make the weight class set forth, or challenge for another spot. Wrestlers will communicate to the Head Coach if they want to wrestle-off and challenge for a spot. If a wrestler misses weight they will not be able to compete during the event. The coaching staff will address missed weight assignments with parents and the wrestler.
Alpha Weigh-Ins
Alphas will be scheduled by the Coach with an approval date from the Athletic Director. Wrestlers will perform a hydration/urine test conducted by a certified trainer (gender specific), which is either a Pass or Fail. Afterwards, a qualifying wrestler will be given a ‘Skinfold Assessment’ indicating the lowest weight class that they can compete at based on a body fat percentage.
Cutting Weight
Most wrestlers will naturally lose weight during wrestling season by adhering to a proper diet and hard work. We do not encourage excessive weight cutting. Varsity wrestlers may cut slightly more weight to obtain a spot on, or for the good of, the Team. Talk with a Coach about proper weight management.
Making Weight
All Varsity competitions require wrestlers to make their respective weight class. For example, if you wrestle 152 lbs, you must weigh 152.0 or less. Failure to make weight will result in missing the next competition. Missing weight a second time, and they will miss two competitions. Varsity wrestlers not making weight will lose their spot and will have to wrestle-off to regain that varsity spot.
Dual Meets and Tournaments
On the Mat:
· Do not talk to the official unless addressed first or injured.
· Do not talk to your opponent.
· During any break in the action you must look over to the coach for instruction.
Between Your Matches:
· Support your teammate’s efforts. Stick together, we are a TEAM.
· Do not address or harass the officials. Listen carefully for your weight/name/next match time.
· Following your match, do not lie down. Grab your warm-ups, sit down, and start yelling encouragement.
Following Your Matches for the Day of Competition
- JV at Coaches discretion for better of the Team or to allow kids to Wrestle at a MHSAA event. Varsity lineup will still be fighting for seeding placements during a District event and wins help them get ahead for other Athletes at Districts.
Criteria to Wrestle in Team Regionals - Varsity Squad (Best Lineup to win the match)
-JV at Coaches discretion for the better of the Team or to allow kids to wrestle at a MHSAA event. Varsity will be still be fighting at Individual Regionals and might meet some of the athletes we match up against. JV Wrestlers will be put into the lineup if the match is completely out of reach for the win allowing kids to wrestle in a MHSAA event.
Criteria to Wrestle in Individual Districts- Varsity squad
-If gaps, Coaching staff rates Athletes based on criteria as follows:
-Grade (Senior, Junior, sophomore or freshman) Example: Senior over a Freshman
-Record
-Pyramid of success (Character traits) Making our Athletes stronger in all aspects not just Wrestling. They need to earn the Vacant Spot.
Lettering
Wrestlers and managers must remain eligible, with no violations of TCAPS handbook, to be considered for lettering. Wrestlers will need achieve 36 Varsity points to letter. Junior Varsity Matches do not count. Managers must be in good standing with team.
Athletes are responsible to attend fund raising activities to assist with the wrestling program. Please utilize the Sports Program Advertisements, charity events, or donations to raise said funds.
We ask for a $100 donation or sell a Sport’s Advertisement to Wrestle.
Hotels:
Titan Wrestlers will stay overnight for some tournaments. Athletes will conduct themselves with the utmost respect for themselves and TC West Athletics. Curfew will be set by the Coach, with some basic rules for room assignments and times of events (departure/arrival/meet times/etc.), and will keep in contact with the WHS staff. Rule/conduct violations may result in missing a dual meet or tournament.
A Parent Chaperone list for traveling parents will be available for each hotel tournament to assist Coaches during the stay.
Parents
Finally, and most significantly, athletes on this team should respect and appreciate their parents. The level of respect and appreciation for the parents is representative of their humility in knowing that what they do accomplish is in large part due to their parents’ support and sacrifice. Not only should these athletes respect their parents, they should have a profound gratitude for the opportunities they have been given.
If there is a problem/issue between Parent and Coach, the ‘24 hour rule’ will be in place, where members observe a cooling off period of 24 hours before discussing a problem, rather than speaking on emotions. Parents are always welcome to ask the Coach about developments, skills to be worked on and event information, however, they need to distinguish items that are Coach's call. Such items are coaching style, discipline, strategy, team rules and times of departures. Parents can inquire as to WHY a coach does things a certain way, but ultimately the coach needs to run the program how they see fit as a professional.
General Information
Pre-Season Goals
· Strive for academic excellence in classroom
· Build strength in the weight room
· Develop basic conditioning
· Develop skills thru drills in the wrestling room
· Begin development of mental toughness
· Eat nutritional meals
In-Season Goals
· Monitor academic performance
· Capture BNC Title
· Undefeated dual meet season in BNC
· Win Team Districts, Top 4 in Team Regionals, and qualify for State tournament
· Get to the Palace for Individual States
· Increase home meet attendance
· Represent Traverse City West Athletics
· Team grade point average above 3.25 (Team Academic All-State)
Post-Season Goals
· Maintain/increase academic performance
· Increase strength in weight room
· Compete on travel teams, MYWAY, and MUSAW events
· Attend at least 1 summer camp/clinic
Equipment Needed
· T-shirts, shorts and/or singlets, headgear and socks
· Wrestling shoes (plan to spend $30 - $70 for a good pair), fit for comfort
· Wrestlers must wear clean clothes for each practice (preferably wear things that can be bleached) Failure to do so will result in disciplinary action
· As a general rule: avoid baggy clothes, long sleeves, sleeveless shirts, zippers and sweats
· Mouth guard is required if you have braces, and recommended for all wrestlers
Equipment Issued
· Singlet – $60
· Warm-up Top- $60
· Warm-up Bottom – $35
· Each wrestler will sign a document that ensures that they are responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged gear
Practice
Normal practice time is 3:30 - 5:15 pm Monday through Friday (except for match days)
· Practices are mandatory and all wrestlers are expected to carry out any other business outside the hours of practice. We know students do other activities, and we don’t want to take anything away from anyone, but please see below for athletic department guidelines. Academics will need to be held at a 2.0 GPA or above. Academics should be taken care of outside of practice, but if there is an issue contact the Head Coach
· Practice attire needs to be clean and the correct size. No zippers, pockets or sleeveless shirts should be worn. Exposed areas/edges can catch fingers/skin, causing injuries
· An un‐excused absence includes, but is not limited to: work, haircuts, dates, etc.
· An excused absence includes, but is not limited to: medical/dental appointments, family emergencies, etc.
· The Head Coach will have final say as to what is an excused or unexcused absence
One Unexcused Absence – Wrestler will not be able to compete in the next competition
Two Unexcused Absences – Wrestler will miss the next two competitions
Three or more Unexcused Absences will require a meeting with the Head Coach, the wrestler and a parent
Wrestle-Offs
Wrestle-offs will be held at the beginning of the year to determine Varsity Team (2 out of 3). Wrestlers must weigh no more than 2 pounds over the weight they want to challenge. Example: 125.00 weight class wrestle off, wrestlers need to weigh no more than 127.00. When two pound allowance is awarded wrestlers need to be 2 pounds from weigh in weight. Example: 125 gets 2 pounds making it 127.0 for weigh in weight of 129.0 for wrestle off.
Wrestlers can also request a Wrestle off for Varsity spot if they have a winning record as a Junior Varsity Wrestler. They will need to beat the Varsity Wrestler 2 out of 3 matches (after warm up, middle of practice and end of practice). If there is a varsity wrestler trying to challenge for another weight class on varsity they can do so as long as they have a winning record. If it is a lower weight class we will monitor weight management to ensure a safe move from a higher weight class. If wrestler has not made scratch weight they will need to make 2 pounds over the scratch weight to challenge. Example: If Wrestler has not made scratch at 145 and 2 pound allowance is effect, wrestler will need to make 147 rather than 149 for the challenge wrestle off. The 145 Varsity spot can weigh 149 because he/she has made that scratch weight.
Varsity wrestlers challenging for another varsity spot will need to win 2 out of 3 matches (after warm up, middle of practice and end of practice).
Dates will be posted for Wrestle-offs based on approved Varsity Wrestling Schedule of competition. Last Wrestle-offs will be the Tuesday before NMC’s so Varsity Wrestlers can focus on the post season.
Extra Curriculum Activities (Band, Choir and Theatre)
· Game/ Event vs Practice =Game/Event
· Game/ Event vs Game Event = Student Choice
· Practice vs Practice= Student Choice
Student choice to be provided to staff 2 weeks in advance of the competition. Please be proactive with students involved in multiple extra-curricular events. Work cooperatively with Fine Arts (and other) staff at all times!
Facility Use
· A coach should be in the room at all times.
· No food/drinks except water bottles allowed in the wrestling room. No street shoes on the mats.
· Only bring what you need for the work-out (all other items should be stored in your locker).
· Before practices, assigned groups should mop mats daily. This should be completed 10 minutes before practice starts.
· The room must be neatly arranged at the end of each practice (equipment stored, mats clean, etc.).
· ANY cleanup needed to be completed by the coaches or managers will be dealt with accordingly.
· In general, this room is our home. Let’s keep it one of the best training facilities in the state.
Mental strength
· Develop the complete mentally tough attitude for competition.
· Eliminate distractions (stands, parents, hype of other wrestlers, recovering from a loss)
· Preparing for the “Battleground” --State Tournament, Dual meet matches or Place matches
· Self Talk - Pump yourself, positive thoughts to achieve goals
· Visualize - -See yourself on the podium, getting your hand raised and winning the match for yourself and team
· Adapt - Always evolving with new techniques, changing moves, learn from previous matches
Create an ALL STATE Mindset and reach goals
Injuries
Athletes will need to report all injuries to a Coaching Staff Member. This will include any skin infections, cuts, scrapes or major injuries. The Athletic Trainer will be notified of any serious injury and will process as he/she sees fit. Medical appointments are excused, but need to be communicated to the Staff. Safety is our first priority and making sure the proper care is given to any athlete. Athletes are encouraged to assist the program in any way that they can as they heal from an injury.
Hygiene
Athletes will shower before they leave the school after practices or wrestling. Wrestlers may get skin infections due to skin to skin contact. Proper hygiene will help eliminate the spread of these infections. Wipes, special soaps and foams are available for sale (see Coach). Clothes and gear need to be washed and clean. Do not share gear. Finger nails and hair need to be trimmed. Failure to comply with rules will result in a meeting with parents, the Head Coach and the Athletic Director.
Weight Management
Wrestlers, parents and coaching staff will try to be on the same page for which weight each wrestler will be able to compete at (subject to Alphas).
Male Weight Classes are: 106, 113, 120, 126, 132, 138, 144, 150, 157, 165, 175, 190 ,215, and 285 respectfully.
Female Weight Classes are: 100, 105, 110, 115, 120, 125, 130, 135, 140, 145, 155, 170, 190, 235 respectfully.
Wrestlers are responsible to make the weight class set forth, or challenge for another spot. Wrestlers will communicate to the Head Coach if they want to wrestle-off and challenge for a spot. If a wrestler misses weight they will not be able to compete during the event. The coaching staff will address missed weight assignments with parents and the wrestler.
Alpha Weigh-Ins
Alphas will be scheduled by the Coach with an approval date from the Athletic Director. Wrestlers will perform a hydration/urine test conducted by a certified trainer (gender specific), which is either a Pass or Fail. Afterwards, a qualifying wrestler will be given a ‘Skinfold Assessment’ indicating the lowest weight class that they can compete at based on a body fat percentage.
Cutting Weight
Most wrestlers will naturally lose weight during wrestling season by adhering to a proper diet and hard work. We do not encourage excessive weight cutting. Varsity wrestlers may cut slightly more weight to obtain a spot on, or for the good of, the Team. Talk with a Coach about proper weight management.
Making Weight
All Varsity competitions require wrestlers to make their respective weight class. For example, if you wrestle 152 lbs, you must weigh 152.0 or less. Failure to make weight will result in missing the next competition. Missing weight a second time, and they will miss two competitions. Varsity wrestlers not making weight will lose their spot and will have to wrestle-off to regain that varsity spot.
Dual Meets and Tournaments
On the Mat:
· Do not talk to the official unless addressed first or injured.
· Do not talk to your opponent.
· During any break in the action you must look over to the coach for instruction.
Between Your Matches:
· Support your teammate’s efforts. Stick together, we are a TEAM.
· Do not address or harass the officials. Listen carefully for your weight/name/next match time.
· Following your match, do not lie down. Grab your warm-ups, sit down, and start yelling encouragement.
Following Your Matches for the Day of Competition
- 50 Sit-ups
- 25 push-ups
- 10 down and back sprints
- 2 down and back bear crawls
- 1 minute Arm Circles
- 1 minute T Walks
- 1 minute High Kicks
- JV at Coaches discretion for better of the Team or to allow kids to Wrestle at a MHSAA event. Varsity lineup will still be fighting for seeding placements during a District event and wins help them get ahead for other Athletes at Districts.
Criteria to Wrestle in Team Regionals - Varsity Squad (Best Lineup to win the match)
-JV at Coaches discretion for the better of the Team or to allow kids to wrestle at a MHSAA event. Varsity will be still be fighting at Individual Regionals and might meet some of the athletes we match up against. JV Wrestlers will be put into the lineup if the match is completely out of reach for the win allowing kids to wrestle in a MHSAA event.
Criteria to Wrestle in Individual Districts- Varsity squad
-If gaps, Coaching staff rates Athletes based on criteria as follows:
-Grade (Senior, Junior, sophomore or freshman) Example: Senior over a Freshman
-Record
-Pyramid of success (Character traits) Making our Athletes stronger in all aspects not just Wrestling. They need to earn the Vacant Spot.
Lettering
Wrestlers and managers must remain eligible, with no violations of TCAPS handbook, to be considered for lettering. Wrestlers will need achieve 36 Varsity points to letter. Junior Varsity Matches do not count. Managers must be in good standing with team.
- Varsity Victory by Pin (Varsity Points) 6 points
- Varsity Victory by Forfeit (Varsity Points) 6 Points
- Varsity Victory by Technical Fall (Varsity Points) 5 points
- Varsity Victory by Major Decision (Varsity Points) 4 points
- Varsity Victory by Decision (Varsity Points) 3 points
Athletes are responsible to attend fund raising activities to assist with the wrestling program. Please utilize the Sports Program Advertisements, charity events, or donations to raise said funds.
We ask for a $100 donation or sell a Sport’s Advertisement to Wrestle.
Hotels:
Titan Wrestlers will stay overnight for some tournaments. Athletes will conduct themselves with the utmost respect for themselves and TC West Athletics. Curfew will be set by the Coach, with some basic rules for room assignments and times of events (departure/arrival/meet times/etc.), and will keep in contact with the WHS staff. Rule/conduct violations may result in missing a dual meet or tournament.
A Parent Chaperone list for traveling parents will be available for each hotel tournament to assist Coaches during the stay.
Parents
Finally, and most significantly, athletes on this team should respect and appreciate their parents. The level of respect and appreciation for the parents is representative of their humility in knowing that what they do accomplish is in large part due to their parents’ support and sacrifice. Not only should these athletes respect their parents, they should have a profound gratitude for the opportunities they have been given.
If there is a problem/issue between Parent and Coach, the ‘24 hour rule’ will be in place, where members observe a cooling off period of 24 hours before discussing a problem, rather than speaking on emotions. Parents are always welcome to ask the Coach about developments, skills to be worked on and event information, however, they need to distinguish items that are Coach's call. Such items are coaching style, discipline, strategy, team rules and times of departures. Parents can inquire as to WHY a coach does things a certain way, but ultimately the coach needs to run the program how they see fit as a professional.
General Information
- Academics are the most important part of being a student-athlete (work hard in the class, as well as on the mats)
- All wrestlers must be to practice on time and ready to go
- Never leave practice without a coach’s permission (unless for injury, emergency, body fluids)
- All skin irritations must be reported to the coaching staff immediately
- The locker room should be spotless at the end of each day
- Take care of the wrestling room, during school and during practices
- Wrestlers must wear clean workout gear for each practice
- Hazing of any wrestlers will not be tolerated
- Upperclassmen should take underclassmen under their wing and prepare them to lead future TITAN championship teams. We will work extremely hard together; we must encourage each other to keep our TEAM together
- Athletes will be highly encouraged to wear Titan Wrestling Polos (see Coach) or a Shirt/Tie combination on days of the dual meets and tournaments. Proper dress attire maintains a professional look for the sport and the school
- Be a good sport, Win with Pride, accept a loss with dignity
- Do not talk to the official unless spoken to first
- Take care of and respect our managers. They are not your personal servants
- Show respect to all (Coaches, parents, officials, etc.)
- Set your goals high. If we work hard, there is nothing we cannot accomplish
- Follow the TCAPS Handbook