When Does Wrestling Season Start?
Wrestling season is a winter sport at every level. High school starts in November or December. College begins in November. Youth programs mirror the high school schedule. Here's a complete breakdown of when wrestling season starts, when to certify weight, and how to get ready.
Wrestling is a winter sport, but the season calendar can be confusing if you're new to it. Between weight certifications, preseason conditioning, dual meets, tournaments, and freestyle in the spring, the schedule is packed. Whether you're a parent with a kid interested in trying wrestling or a first-year coach mapping out the year, this guide covers when wrestling season starts at every level.
The short answer: high school wrestling runs from November through February, with state championships in late February or March. College wrestling runs November through March, ending with the NCAA tournament. Youth and club programs typically mirror the high school schedule, with additional freestyle and Greco-Roman seasons in the spring and summer.
Below, we break down the exact timing for each level so you can plan ahead, hit registration deadlines, and get your team's custom singlets ordered before the first match.
High School Wrestling
The primary competitive season. Winter is wrestling time.
Season: November to February/March
High school wrestling is a winter sport in every state. Official practice usually begins in mid to late November, right after the fall sports season wraps up. Many football players transition directly to wrestling, so programs often start with a conditioning period before technique work begins.
The first competitions (dual meets and early-season tournaments) are in late November or early December. The regular season runs through January and into February, with teams competing in dual meets during the week and tournaments on Saturdays. Conference and district tournaments happen in February, and the state championship is the big finale in late February or early March.
Weight Certification: October to November
Before any wrestler can compete, they must go through weight certification. This process, typically held in late October or November, involves an initial weigh-in and a body fat assessment (hydration test and skin-fold measurements). The results determine each wrestler's minimum weight class, and they can't compete below that floor for the entire season.
Weight certification is designed to prevent dangerous weight cutting. Each state has specific rules, but the national standard (from the NFHS) limits the rate at which a wrestler can cut weight, usually no more than 1.5% of body weight per week. Get certified early since missing the window can delay when a wrestler is eligible to compete.
State Championships: Late February to Early March
The state tournament is the pinnacle of the high school wrestling season. Qualifying starts at the district or sectional level in February, with regional tournaments feeding into the state finals. State championships are typically a 2-day event held in a large arena, with all classifications competing during the same weekend. It's one of the most exciting events in high school sports and draws thousands of spectators.
Girls Wrestling
Girls wrestling is one of the fastest-growing high school sports in the country. As of 2025, over 40 states have sanctioned girls wrestling as a separate sport, with more adding it every year. The season runs the same schedule as boys wrestling. Many states now hold separate girls state championships, and the number of female wrestlers nationally has grown from under 20,000 to over 50,000 in the past few years.
College Wrestling
Longer season, bigger stage, and the road to NCAA championships.
Season: November to March
College wrestling follows a slightly longer timeline than high school. Preseason practice begins in October, with early-season opens and exhibition matches in November. The regular season of dual meets runs from late November through February. Conference championships are in early March, and the NCAA Division I, II, and III tournaments are held in mid to late March.
The NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships is one of the most attended college sporting events in the country, regularly drawing over 80,000 fans across three sessions. The tournament features a bracket format at each weight class, with matches running from Thursday through Saturday night finals.
Recruiting Timeline
College wrestling recruiting typically heats up during a wrestler's junior and senior years of high school. Coaches evaluate athletes at state tournaments, national events like Fargo (USA Wrestling Junior/Cadet Nationals), and freestyle tournaments during the spring and summer. Division I programs start tracking recruits earlier, sometimes as sophomores, while Division III and NAIA programs often recruit later. Film and results at major tournaments carry significant weight in recruiting decisions.
Youth and Club Wrestling
Where it all starts. Programs for kids as young as 4 or 5.
Folkstyle Season: November to March
Youth wrestling programs typically follow the high school calendar, running from November through March. Folkstyle (also called scholastic style) is the standard for youth programs in the United States. Most youth clubs practice 2 to 3 times per week, with tournaments on weekends. Tournaments are organized by age and weight, with age divisions usually covering 2-year brackets (5-6, 7-8, 9-10, etc.).
Registration for youth wrestling programs usually opens in September or October. Club fees vary widely, from $50 to $300+ for the season depending on the program. Most clubs welcome beginners and have separate groups for first-time wrestlers.
Freestyle and Greco-Roman: April to July
After folkstyle season ends, many wrestlers transition to freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling. These are the Olympic styles, governed by USA Wrestling. Freestyle and Greco programs run from April through July, with state and regional qualifiers leading to the USA Wrestling Nationals in Fargo, North Dakota, held in mid-July. Fargo is the biggest youth wrestling event in the country, with over 6,000 competitors.
Freestyle and Greco are great for development because the rules reward different techniques. Freestyle emphasizes leg attacks and exposure, while Greco forbids attacks below the waist and focuses on upper-body throws. Many coaches recommend wrestling both styles to become a more complete athlete.
Summer Camps and Clinics
Summer wrestling camps, run by colleges and clubs, are available from June through August. These range from overnight camps at university facilities to day camps at local gyms. They're an excellent way for young wrestlers to improve during the offseason and for high school athletes to get exposure to college programs. Expect costs of $100 to $500 depending on the camp duration and prestige.
Pre-Season Prep Checklist
What to do before wrestling season starts.
Get a sports physical
Every high school wrestler needs a current physical to compete. Schedule it in September or October so it's done before practice starts. Some states require an additional skin check before each competition to prevent the spread of skin infections like ringworm and impetigo.
Buy wrestling shoes and headgear
Wrestling shoes are mandatory for competition and highly recommended for practice. Look for lightweight shoes with good ankle support and a thin, flexible sole that grips the mat. Headgear is required in all high school and youth competition. Brands like ASICS, Nike, and Adidas make quality wrestling shoes in the $50 to $120 range.
Order team gear early
Custom wrestling singlets need 4 to 6 weeks for production and delivery. If your season starts in late November, place your order by mid-October at the latest. Team warm-up hoodies and practice shorts are also popular and should be ordered at the same time.
Start conditioning early
Wrestling is one of the most physically demanding sports. Start conditioning at least 4 to 6 weeks before the season. Focus on cardio, core strength, grip strength, and flexibility. Many programs hold preseason conditioning in October, and showing up in shape makes a huge difference, especially for weight certification.
Know the weight classes
Familiarize yourself with the wrestling weight classes for your level. High school uses 14 weight classes from 106 to 285 pounds. College uses 10 classes from 125 to 285. Knowing where you'll compete helps with conditioning and weight management before certification.
Complete weight certification
Weight certification is mandatory before competing. The process includes a weigh-in, hydration test, and body fat assessment. Your school's athletic trainer or a certified assessor conducts the test. The results set your minimum wrestling weight for the season. Don't miss the certification window, as it can delay your eligibility to compete.
When to Order Wrestling Gear
Timing your singlet and warm-up orders for the season.
Wrestling gear ordering follows a predictable timeline since the season is the same everywhere. Here's when to place orders based on your season start:
| Level | Season Starts | Order By |
|---|---|---|
| High School | Late November | Mid-October |
| College | November | September |
| Youth Club | November | September/October |
| Freestyle/Greco | April | February |
Secondslide makes custom wrestling singlets with no minimums and fast turnaround. Whether you need singlets for a 10-person roster or an entire program with varsity, JV, and middle school teams, we can help. Team hoodies and shorts make great additions for warm-ups and travel days.
Wrestling Gear from Secondslide
Ready to outfit your team? Check out our custom gear.
Wrestling Singlets
Custom sublimated wrestling singlets for your team. No minimums, fully customizable designs.
Wrestling Weight Classes
Complete guide to wrestling weight classes for high school, college, and youth programs.
Custom Team Hoodies
Team hoodies for warm-ups, weigh-ins, and travel days. Custom designs with your team logo.
Custom Athletic Shorts
Wrestling-style fight shorts and practice shorts in your team colors.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does high school wrestling season start?
High school wrestling season starts in late November or early December in most states. Practice officially begins in mid to late November, and the first dual meets and tournaments are in early December. The regular season runs through January and February, with conference and district tournaments in February. State championships are held in late February or early March.
When does college wrestling season start?
College wrestling season starts in November. Teams begin dual meets in November or early December, with the regular season running through February. Conference championships are in early March, and the NCAA tournament takes place in mid to late March. Preseason practice typically begins in October, with a few early-season exhibition matches or opens in November.
Is wrestling a winter sport?
Yes, wrestling is primarily a winter sport at the high school and college levels. The competitive season runs from November or December through February or March, filling the gap between fall and spring sports. However, many wrestlers compete year-round through freestyle and Greco-Roman programs that run in the spring and summer, making it effectively a year-round commitment for serious athletes.
When are wrestling weight certifications?
Wrestling weight certifications typically happen in late October or November, before the competitive season starts. Every high school wrestler must go through an initial weigh-in and body composition assessment that sets their minimum wrestling weight for the season. The certification process is managed by the state athletic association and is designed to prevent unhealthy weight cutting. Wrestlers cannot compete below their certified minimum weight.
When do youth wrestling programs start?
Youth wrestling programs vary by region. The most common schedule mirrors the high school season, with programs running from November through March. Many areas also have spring and summer freestyle and Greco-Roman programs through USA Wrestling that run from April through July. Youth tournaments happen nearly every weekend during the winter season, and national tournaments are held in the spring and summer.
What do wrestlers need for their first season?
Wrestlers need wrestling shoes, headgear, a singlet for competition, shorts and a t-shirt for practice, and a mouthguard. Most high school programs provide a team singlet, but wrestlers buy their own shoes and headgear. Wrestling shoes should be lightweight with flexible soles that grip the mat. Headgear is required in all high school and youth competition and recommended for practice to prevent cauliflower ear.
Get Your Wrestling Team Ready for the Season
Custom wrestling singlets, warm-up hoodies, and practice gear. No minimums, fast turnaround, and designs your wrestlers will love.