How to Evaluate a College Wrestling Program

For parents and athletes, making the decision to commit to a college wrestling program can be daunting. There are numerous factors to consider in order to choose the right school, let alone the right coach and team. We know that the academic needs are most important. It should be a huge factor in choosing a college. When I attended Menlo College, my father Lee Allen coached and directed all the athletes towards success in the classroom. Graduation was priority and the goal was to find a career after sport. This article specifically focuses on analyzing the team and coaching aspects, which will be important in deciding a program that fits you. 

Wrestling Goals

You should make a list of your goals for wrestling in college. There are plenty of factors which go into how to evaluate a good fit based on what your realistic goals are for wrestling. Don't tell a coach what you think they want to hear. Not everyone wants to take the journey to make an Olympic team and that's perfectly fine! A coach wants to support your athletic goals because they can bring out the best in you.

First time doing freestyle

If you are pretty green to freestyle, it would be best to talk with a coach who is excited to help develop your skills as an athlete. It is important to distinguish the appeal of a successful team with a wrestling team that actually meets your needs. That could mean a smaller and newer team environment may suit your needs. You could get lost in the practice room at a school with a large and well established team and have to rely on teammates correcting your mistakes. A smaller wrestling team could mean more individualized time, and more opportunity to compete. 

Wrestling schedule

PHOTO BY AL CASE, ASHLAND DAILY

Does the team travel more or less than your goals or interests allow? When do you need to be at school for pre-season training? Is the team more or less involved in the senior level wrestling schedule than you would like to be? Adding senior and international competition will make the season much longer. If your plan is to make Junior and Senior world teams, then find a coach and team who supports those goals. If you only plan to wrestle the college season and focus on school and cross training, be sure the coach and program will support your level of participation.

Coach and team culture

Do your goals for your career line up with the coaching philosophy? Does the school have alumni wrestlers you can connect with to help your success on and off the mat? Have you visited the school and do you enjoy the practice structure? Do you enjoy the team dynamics? Does the team do outside wrestling activities together or team bonding? For many wrestlers (myself included), they meet their best friends on their college wrestling team. Be sure you give yourself a chance to stay with the athletes and find a connection with your potential teammates when you visit a school. 

Athlete amenities

Does the school have a strength and conditioning professional? Great weight room? Does the mat space match up with the number of athletes? Do they have sports medicine and recovery amenities for athletes? How does the school work to support their athletes to ensure graduation success? Wrestle, rest, recovery, rise and repeat will be essential to support your longevity as a college athlete. College wrestling is about becoming a well rounded athlete and learning how to properly train. But you must be supported in the areas you know are important for your athletic growth. 

Advice from a college wrestler

Menlo College alumni and current South El Monte High School girls head coach Monique Cabrera talks about the best type of advice she gives to parents and athletes. She tells her students that even though every coach may want to win, they as the athlete should be looking at the bigger picture of getting an education, creating bonds with teammates, and developing skills to be productive in society and in life. She strongly believes in knowing and understanding the program's history and competitive background. This will give the parent and athlete a better understanding about the institution, and to help you know if its a good fit for the athlete.

"Student-athletes get caught up in wanting to win and life being all about wrestling. They forget important factors like cost of college, majors available, and classes needed to get a degree. Ultimately, they must decide if this program is a good fit to make it a new home."

-Monique Cabrera

Your selection will be entirely individual. Someone else's decision to be a part of one program will most likely not be the same for you. Take the time you need to fully understand what a program is offering you and if it fits with your goals. Remember, a happy wrestler is a dangerous wrestler. When you are happy with your school and wrestling team, you will find growth!