Ask Cael: Question: I’m a junior and I want to get great competition by wrestling in a college open tourney. Is that possible? i have qualified for states as a sophomore and think that wrestling in a tourney like that would help me advance to the next level and prepare me for the season. Any Imput?

Story Published Thursday, October 1st, 2009

name:                  Cha

Question:              I’m a junior and I want to get great competition by wrestling in a college open tourney. Is that possible? i have qualified for states as a sophomore and think that wrestling in a tourney like that would help me advance to the next level and prepare me for the season. Any Imput?

I do believe that the PA High School Athletics Association does allow high school aged wrestlers to participate in college open tournaments.  Some states do and some don’t.  Some open tournaments require the athlete to have written permission from a high school administrator before they are allowed to enter the tournament.  So just check around and see what it takes to enter into college open tournaments.  I know that the Nittany Lion Open has allowed high school aged participants in the past.  As far as the competition being good for you, I would say yes.  Competition and challenging yourself is usually a good idea.  My only concern would be to make sure you are prepared and that it doesn’t interfere with your high school team’s schedule.  Because a lot of college open tournaments are before the high school season, you want to make sure you are in good shape and ready to compete at a high level.  Entering a competition when not prepared increases your risk of injury and that is the last thing you want obviously.  Also I would make sure you are ready for a college level tournament before I entered.  There are plenty of preseason high school level tournaments available as well.  Getting matches in is the key and training with the best people you can find.  Both with help you get to the next level.

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