By Christian King ‘26
There are many ways wrestlers prepare for the upcoming season, whether it be getting ready to cut weight, getting used to being a lower weight, practicing, or going to tournaments.
The season starts in November, and when it ends depends on how the team does in the season. If they make it to the playoffs, it’s longer, but if they don’t, the season lasts around three months.
Wrestlers use pre-season to get better and to get used to the weight they have to cut. After they cut weight and weigh in, athletes try to gain back the nutrients they need to be strong.
“After weighing in I would eat fruit like a banana or fast digestible foods,” said Kenji Vang (12).
There are many places to practice, whether or not the coach allows practice at school once or twice a week. People apply for tournaments or just practice by themselves or with others at one’s house.
Pre-season practices are a good way for athletes to prepare their bodies and minds. They practice with their coach and some of their team for the season. Practices can be good to get wrestlers into a good mind space for the regular season.
“I prepare for my season of wrestling by starting to work on my body slowly losing weight,” said senior Hasan Laila. Jacob Gibson (12), also said how he slowly worked on his body and cut down the weight to get used to his body.
Wrestlers need to gradually used to their season weight. If they don’t become conditioned for the season, bad things can happen, but if they overtrain, they can also burn out before the season starts.