New York State removes 2 fighting classes from high school lineups

Syracuse, NY – New York State high school wrestling teams will look more nimble for the next two seasons.

The central committee of the New York State Athletic Association of Public High Schools approved Wednesday a two-year test of reducing school weight classes from 15 to 13. The measure, approved by a vote of 28-19, already had received the go-ahead. by the state fight committee.

The committee eliminated the lowest weight class, 99 pounds, and reformed some others. Previously, the ratings were 99, 106, 113, 120, 126, 132, 138, 145, 152, 160, 170, 182, 195, 220, 285.

The new ones are 102, 110, 118,126, 132, 138, 145, 152, 160, 172, 189, 215, 285.

The problem was caused by the difficulty that some smaller schools had in deploying full teams, especially at the lower weights. Those squadrons were forced to start games and six points per lost weight class.

Phoenix coach Gene Mills said his team regularly missed two classes per game last year, placing his team in a 12-point hole.

“If there were 10 weight classes, almost every single one of those schools could (fill out a complete list),” Mills said. “Now, you must find 15 children who have a work ethic, pride. (It sucks) for the big schools that really have those numbers, but for many other schools it’s difficult (to form a full lineup). “

Some programs turn to younger youth college fighters, who may not be ready for varsity action, to fill the lighter spaces. The NYSPHSAA said last year that there were 719 wrestlers who were certified in the 99-pound weight class. Of the 719, 532 were seventh, eighth, and ninth grade students.

Jeffrey Waldron, head coach of the Fulton powerhouse, has no problems with the depth of the list, but said he understands the reasoning behind the move.

“If it’s good for sports, I’m not going to fight alone because it’s not good for Fulton,” he said. “I think it levels the playing field a little bit for schools that are struggling to complete weight classes.”

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Lindsay Kramer is a reporter for the Syracuse Post-Standard and syracuse.com. Do you have a comment or idea for a story? She can be contacted by email at [email protected].