Proposed changes coming to wrestling postseason

The 2022-23 Iowa high school wrestling postseason could have a big shake-up next year. According to Rokfin.com and iawrestle.com, The IHSAA is discussing some major changes, which could be put in place as early as next season.

One potential change is the elimination of sectional tournaments in Classes 1A and 2A. Currently, the two smaller classes hold sectionals one week before districts, with the Top-2 advancing one week. In Class 3A, there is just one big district tournament with the Top-2 finishers advancing to the state tournament.

If the sectional tournaments are being eliminated, the weekend two weeks before the state meet will be open. Rokfin reports that the advisory board recommended moving the state dual tournament to that day.

The advisory board has also recommended expanding the number of qualifiers in the state tournament to 24 wrestlers per weight class. Currently, only the Top-16 make the state tournament.

The final recommendation from the advisory board that received a majority approval would be the adoption of the 14 weights recognized by the National Federation of State High School Associations. Those weights would be 106, 113, 120, 126, 132, 138, 144, 150, 157, 165, 175, 190, 215 and 285.