My son had never stepped foot on a wrestling mat until his Freshman year in high school. He also happened to fall into the "14U" category for Kids Club after his Freshman high school season. From my perspective, a lot goes into an opponents experience/mat time too! Not EVERY Freshman wrestler has been wrestling since they were 4 years old or even middle school. Not every Freshman is more developed physically than those in middle school. Being a Freshman doesn't automatically classify someone as being stronger, etc. Some Freshman decide to "try" a sport, fall in love with it and want to continue to improve, learn, and develop as a wrestler.

Maybe my sons situation is not the "norm", but I don't think it's fair to assume or generalize that he would have had an "advantage" on everyone in a "14U" class just because he was a Freshman. Nor do I think him wrestling "14U" as a Freshman was a joke. He got mat time, he went up against kids with WAY more experience than him that were in middle school (he won some/he lost some), he did not get completely discouraged by getting TF 5 seconds into a match by high school upperclassman every match with even MORE experience, maturity and strength than him and so, he didn't quit this sport we (as a wrestling community) say we are continuing to try to grow.

He is now a Senior and with only 4 seasons of wrestling, has qualified 2x for 6A State and placed this year at 6A State (in probably one of the toughest 6A weight classes). Currently, he is pursuing college scholarships for wrestling. Have I mentioned that he absolutely loves this sport? Go ask him who he is, he will tell you.."I'm a wrestler". Wrestling definitely defines him and he it! I don't know the outcome would be the same, if the "rule" were different. Thankfully, for him...we don't have to know.

Just thought I'd share a bit into my son's story and maybe put a little different perspective on the subject...

Sonja
"Mama Black"