Contrary to belief, there is no objective criteria (you win a wrestle-off and you wrestle that weight) in determining who wrestlers varsity and junior varsity. A wrestle-off would be the easiest thing for our coaching staff and would take away any perceptions of favoritism to certain athletes. We do have many "indication" bouts throughout the year. These bouts give the coaching staff "indications" of where each wrestler is and what area he may need improvement. The following reasons denote what criteria is used and why the wrestle-off method is not used as the only means for who wrestles:

• Some wrestlers are great in practice and do not perform well in match situations.
• One wrestler's style may match-up better against certain opponents.
• We believe in student-athletes and consider each wrestler's academic progress when determining who wrestles.
• Attendance and punctuality at practice is mandatory and one's absence/tardiness could impact his wrestling for the team.
• Attitude in school, as determined by the wrestler's teachers, is looked at closely by the staff.
• Attitude in practice is crucial to the team's success. A poor attitude is not looked at as favorable by the coaching staff.
• Dedication and determination to the sport of wrestling have been the keys to the success of our wrestling program. A wrestler's lack of dedication and determination would have an impact on their ability to secure a position in the line-up.
• Physical condition is a necessity to succeed in this sport. If a wrestler is not in top physical condition, he cannot perform at his best.
• Cooperation with one's teammates is critical for team unity. The coaching staff expects all wrestlers to cooperate with one another and the coaching staff.
• Competitiveness in this sport is needed to excel. A wrestler lacking competitiveness will struggle in all aspects of wrestling.
• Proper nutrition and weight loss are vital to the health and well-being of the student-athletes. Wrestlers using improper weight loss techniques or not adhering to the weight limits set for practice will not compete in the matches.
• Wrestlers needs to exhibit focus, enthusiasm and motivation at practice. Controlling emotions is fundamental to the team's success. Athletes who swear or are easily overcome with disgust or anger at practice are prone to exhibit this behavior in a match.
• Following team rules is paramount to our program's success. The coaching staff instills basic rules for the program. Chronic disregard for any/all of the rules will result in either a dismissal from the team or a wrestler not be granted an opportunity to compete.
  

The coaching staff, based on their experience and expertise, retains the right to wrestle the best wrestler based on all of the above criteria and not a single wrestle-off bout.