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Open Letter concerning MWCA Weight Class Reduction Proposal

January 30, 2008

MWCA Weight Class Reduction Proposal

Lower Half Weight Classes Upper Half Weight Classes
Current Proposed Current Proposed
103
 		105
 		145
 		147
112
 		115
 		152
 		153
119
 		-
 		160
 		160
125
 		123
 		171
 		170
130
 		129
 		189
 		185
135
 		135
 		215
 		210
140
 		141
 		285
 		280

This proposal should not be adopted at this time for the following reasons:
  1. This proposal makes all of the reductions from the lower half of weight classes and limits the opportunities for lighter weight student athletes. One of the best qualities of wrestling is that it is one of the few sports (and the only contact sport) which allows kids to compete against other kids without personal size being an advantage or disadvantage. The result is significant loss of opportunities where there already are very few opportunities.
  1. A review of the actual forfeits by Minnesota high school teams at last year’s team sections shows that the majority of forfeits come from the upper weight classes. Last year, in the Class 1A Section Team Tournaments, only 39.81% of all forfeits were from the lower half of the weight classes and 60.19% were from the upper half of the weight classes. If these new weights were in effect at last year’s Class 1A team sections, it would have potentially eliminated only 16 forfeits out of 980 matches. After the first round of team sections, these new weights would have had little or no effect on the number of forfeits. Class 2A and 3A shows the same trends. Eliminating one of the lighter weight classes and slightly changing the composition of the heavier weight classes won’t materially impact the number of forfeits. Why would the MSHSL Board of Directors adopt this proposal if the proposal has no chance of accomplishing the stated goal of substantially reducing forfeits?
  1. Minnesota would be dramatically out of step with the rest of the country. Currently forty-seven states support the 14 National weight classes. The other three, Montana, New York and Texas have 15 weight classes, 14 aligned with the National weight classes and one additional lower weight class. Interstate rivalries and tournaments will be significantly affected if this proposal is adopted. Out of state teams will not want to adjust their line-ups and deny an opportunity to one of their wrestlers. Entire Minnesota teams will have less competition and development without these match-ups.
This is an opportunity issue versus a team competitiveness issue. Please understand that you are taking away opportunities from the smaller athletes if you approve this proposal. Is it really worth attempting to make certain teams more competitive if it means eliminating opportunities from other teams and individual student athletes?

Respectfully,
John Thorn
Concerned Parent

Ron Sanders
Wabasha/Kellogg Head Coach

Billy Pierce
Forest Lake Head Coach