Changes in the Weight Classes

[Old Number Nine]

Since someone mentioned changing the weights in another post I thought I’d bring it up and see if anyone wanted to discuss it.

I’ve thought about the weight classes off and on for years and I’ve always wondered if there is any reason for what is chosen. I know the last change in ’98 they just added 7 lbs to each weight. I decided to do a little research and here’s what I found. I hope this mostly correct as I got it off of WrestlingStats.com.

From 1928 to 1951 they changed the weights 10 times resulting in 7 different weight sequences. 1928, 1932, 1936 and 1948 were Olympic years thus the weight changes.

1928 had 7 weights; 115, 125, 135, 145, 158, 175, Hvy

1929 and 1930 had 8; 115, 125, 135, 145, 158, 165, 175, Hvy

1931 through 1938 had 8; 118, 126, 135, 145, 155, 165, 175, Hvy

Except for 7 in 1932; 123, 134, 145, 158, 174, 191, Hvy

And again 7 in 1936; 123, 134, 145, 158, 174, 191, Hvy

1939 through 1950 had 8; 121, 128, 136, 145, 155, 165, 175, Hvy

Except for 8 in 1948; 114, 125, 136, 147, 160, 174, 191, Hvy

1952 to 1969 (18yrs) jumped to 10; 115, 123, 130, 137, 147, 157, 167, 177, 191, Hvy

1970 to 1998 (29yrs) had 10; 118, 126, 134, 142, 150, 158, 167, 177, 190, Hvy

1999 to now (26yrs) still 10; 125, 133, 141, 149, 157, 165, 174, 184, 197, 275

The question is why this break down? Each has an 8lb difference until 184 jumps 10 and then 197 jumps 13. I don’t understand why we couldn’t just go to 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170, 180, 190, 200, 275 or 130, 140, 150, 160, 170, 180, 190, 200, 210, 275.

Throughout the history of collegiate wrestling (and Olympic) the weights seem to have been arbitrary chosen.

 

[Poke1990]

I doubt it will happen but I think we should start at 133 and add 215 or so. I’m not stuck on 215 but think it would be more healthy for youngsters to gain weight rather than cut all the time.
And not gain it like I currently do. Lol

 

[CowboyUp61]

Go to the equivalent of international weight classes, (rounded to pounds)

 

[Okie_Pat]

Anything more than 10 weights is too many I think. If you were to start at 125 and go up by 10 lbs each weight you could have room for a light heavyweight class around 212-115 lbs.

 

[OSUMatFan]

My gut feeling is that weights are designed to fit the average weight of the population. There are generally more people in the middle or mean of average weight than there are at the upper or lower weights. The average American is slightly taller and larger than they were in previous years and weight adjustments need to factor that in. There are not to many adult males that weigh less than 125 pounds.

 

[Mrgrapple]

I would like to see 11 weights. Easier on tie criteria and a weight around 212 would be good for our international roster.

 

[tom_v31]

I was thinking a progressive increase w/ 10 weights still:
8 lbs:
125
133
141
9 lbs:
150
159
168
10 lbs:
178
188
198
HWT
275

 

[Chasingthirty-five]

Adding a 215 has my vote. I like the current classes. 125 will be too small someday but it’s not right now.

 

[tom_v31]

I know on frl, they don’t agree with a 215 lb weight class, but I do of sorts. Maybe a 215- 220. But then again, the upper weights don’t even fill the brackets, sometimes. So, Maybe, for practical purposes, they don’t add that weight class to allow for more competition as a whole.

 

[Pokes1988]

Always thought we should have a 210 class or something close.... I just look at how much Luke Surber struggled when asked to be our Heavyweight...Guy was faster but holy hell, he was outweighed by 40 pounds EVERY MATCH it felt like, and this was after he beefed up.

 

[tom_v31]

Always thought we should have a 210 class or something close.... I just look at how much Luke Surber struggled when asked to be our Heavyweight...Guy was faster but holy hell, he was outweighed by 40 pounds EVERY MATCH it felt like, and this was after he beefed up.

Unfortunately, not as many heavier wrestlers are on teams and it’s not fair for a 210 or 220 guy to wrestle these 265 lb guys

 

[OSUMatFan]

I have always found heavyweights interesting to watch as the matches look nothing like the previous 9 matches. One point in the match dictates who wins. It certainly would work well for Christian Carroll to have a 215 pound weight class.

 

[BackHomePoke]

From what I heard Christian is so big for his age that there was more concern of putting too much weight on him at this point instead of the usual bulk up job.

 

[OSUMatFan]

Christian is not very tall. He is incredibly strong. I am not sure he can bulk anymore. He has already spent a great deal of time in the weight room.

 

[Harleycowboy]

Christian is not very tall. He is incredibly strong. I am not sure he can bulk anymore. He has already spent a great deal of time in the weight room.

If he is going to be a National Champ he needs to keep his speed and explosiveness. He isn't going to be the biggest HWT and he is not going to be the strongest HWT. If he keeps his speed and explosiveness, he is big enough and strong enough to beat anyone in the Country. He needs experience and he needs to learn how to wrestle bigger guys. Christian, one day being a National Champ or close is very important if we are to get 35. If he loses speed and reaction in bulking up, we and him are making a big mistake.

 

[west2east]

So @blair2000 is 149 now Alvarez spot ? @RUHUNGRY2200 you've any insight

 

[OSUMatFan]

With Christian's quickness and strength. The three point takedown is going to be his friend. Getting off bottom is something most folks learn. Christian is very hard working and will leave nothing to chance if he can work to fix it.

 

[skylinepoke]

Working with Doucet should greatly benefit Carroll as far as getting off bottom. Doucet has proven to be a decent rider and Carroll should have a good idea of what he needs to do to escape when it's his time to take over.