A Weight Issue
(1/20/03)
There are a lot of topics that come up when I get together with other wrestling enthusiasts and
one of them that bothers me the most is weight cutting. The big problem I have with weight cutting
is almost everyone puts the blame on the wrestlers, however I think coaches are equally to blame.
Not all coaches ask, persuade, and expect some of their wrestlers to cut weight but some of
them even go as far as to ridicule the ones that don't. I for one believe that when a wrestler cuts
weight, that wrestler is not getting any better and sometimes may even get worse. Most of the time the
wrestlers that cut weight are more worried about their weight than they are about getting better.
When they put the layers of clothes on for practice and walk in the wrestling room, their first priority is
to make weight, not get better. I also believe that a wrestler that worries more about getting stronger
and better will be more effective than the wrestler that cuts a lot of weight. I've seen it plenty of
times where the wrestler that cuts weight will be controlling the match going into the third period then
runs out of energy and loses the match. Coaches should stop allowing and encouraging their wrestlers
to cut weight. I have even heard of some coaches yelling at their wrestlers that don't make weight, some
of which are cutting more than 15 pounds. And don't forget about the coaches that wont let their kids
wrestle at a higher weight than the one they started the year at. They sometimes forget that kids
are still growing, yes even more than the three pounds growth allowance from the beginning of the
season to the end.
The WIAA has a hydration and fat test system that is suppose to prevent cutting weight.
I have heard from plenty of fans, wrestlers, and even coaches that this does not even work.
I agree, they have all told me how easy it is to cheat on these tests. It does happen and
coaches know it does. I have heard toilet water works and some kids even use the hydrated kids'
urination because they aren't even being watched. I am not encouraging this at all but I know
it happens. I think the tests could work if the WIAA would come in to the schools themselves
and do the tests.
I don't believe the solution is hydration and fat tests. I believe that mat side weigh-ins
is the solution. Before the match the wrestlers shall report to the mat and step on the scale
with their singlet and shoes on immediately before the match. If a wrestler still decided to cut
weight he would not be very effective on the mat. We all know wrestlers cut weight by cutting
what I call "water weight" and just eliminate liquids from entering their body and putting on
layers of clothes to sweat more.
To me its simple, maybe its just because I have seen how sick some people get from cutting
weight. Coaches need to stop encouraging their wrestlers to cut weight and need to shift the
focus to improving their wrestlers. Do us all a favor and don't ask a wrestler to cut weight.
And to you wrestlers out there, if you are going to shed some pounds do it the right way by
exercising and eating right. Mat side weigh-ins is the answer and I don't see any flaws in it.
Yes Reprint It!!!
I have received some emails about permission to reprint my articles and post them
in wrestling rooms. I have even had one person ask for permission to submit some of my
articles in to local newspapers. Feel free to copy or reprint any of my articles as long
as you include my signature of John Elmer, wiwrestling.com. Also I am asking for feedback
on my latest article "A Weight Issue," especially from coaches and the wrestlers who cut
weight. I would also like to hear your opinions on mat side weigh-ins.
John Elmer
For
Wiwrestling.com
Written for WIwrestling.com by Freelance
Columnist John Elmer
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