It’s a Match

Although their season has come to an end, the boys’ wrestling team has been working hard to prepare for future tournaments. Since they haven’t participated in any tournaments, the team members practice Greco Roman wrestling together to prepare for next year when they will compete.

“We practice in a form called Greco Roman,” said Coach Rosario Miano.

Greco Roman wrestling, or amateur wrestling, is a freestyle form of wrestling that does not allow the wrestler to use their legs in anyway to obtain a fall. A fall is when your opponent is on the mat and pinned down. While pinning or during any other move, a wrestler can not hold below the waist.

Illegal moves consist of kicking, punching, head butting, and holding the costume. Freestyle moves consisting of fair holds, trips, and throws are permitted. These moves will help pin the opponent to the mat.

In Greco Roman wrestling, the competitors wrestle on mats 30 meters in diameter and are supervised by referees, a mat chairman, a judge, and a timekeeper.

According to Coach Miano, a wrestler is awarded a fall when they hold their opponents shoulders to the mat for one second. The referee then hits the mat with his hands to signal a fall. If there is no fall, there are points awarded for maneuvers leading to a fall.

“Points are awarded for take downs, defensive moves, holds, and the match is also timed. At the end of so many rounds the person with the most points wins,” said Physical Education teacher Mr. Dennis Barrett.

During the wrestling season, the boys practice together every Tuesday and Thursday at Monsignor Farrell High School.

“We do push ups, sit ups, weights, and track,” said junior Mario Lucero. “We also learn take downs, shots, and cross faces,” he added.

Wrestling teams perform individually in their own weight classes. A weight class is divided into four main categories: schoolboys, cadets, juniors, and seniors. Each is broken down by weight class division. The classes are 103, 112, 119, 125, 130, 135, 140, 145, 152, 160, 171, 189, 215 pounds and heavy weight.

“The sport is both a team and individual effort. The boys practice as a team and compete individually,” said Mr. Barrett.

With all the efforts that the new team and Coach Miano are making, we are sure to be in for a treat next year when the team will have a chance to compete.

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