weight loss activities of high school and college wrestlers

Subject: FW: Weight Loss
From: "Waldron, Jeffrey" <[log in to unmask]>
Reply-To: Safety <[log in to unmask]>
Date: Thu, 24 Dec 1998 10:30:05 -0600
Content-Type: text/plain
Parts/Attachments: text/plain (74 lines)

I'm not sure what kind of information you are looking for? My son
is a senior in high school and has been participating in the sport for 4
years now. He also participates in the Freestyle/ Greco Roman wrestling in
the spring and summer. Some good web site include "intermat" and most
states have wrestling web sites. Those sites deal more with results of
tournaments, etc. rather than weight loss.

My opinion on weight loss for wrestlers is that a kid needs to get
into top shape thru exercise. This will / should bring them down in weight.
Obviously, the other side of the coin is diet. My son goes on a high
carbohydrate low fat diet. He burns the carbos during turnout, runs on his
own and the weight comes right off. He does dehydrate the day of the match
to make weigh in but it is important to rehydrate his body as soon as
possible. We / I am very opposed to "binge" weight loss, in other words do
not starve to make weight then pig out after a match and end up having to
lose six or eight pounds every time a weigh in comes up. They need to
remember that weight loss is good if it's "fat" coming off. Once they start
shedding muscle mass they are are defeating the purpose, a kid needs to be
strong to wrestle. Vitamin supplements are also an important part of a kids
diet when they are on any kind of restricted diet.

> The NCAA (colleges) have institued a program this year that is very
> restrictive on weight loss. In the '97/'98 school year 3 college
> wrestlers died as a result of trying to lose weight, wearing rubber suits
> while in a sauna riding a stationary bike type activities. They check
> body fat content and dehydration levels thru urine tests. They also
> adjusted the weight classes to be more realistic so kids should be
> wrestling at there "normal" weight. You can see information on that
> program thru most college web sites or I'm sure intermat has info on the
> college program.
>
> There is some good things about weight loss. I think everyone can
> afford to lose a few pounds, at least I know I could afford to! It
> teaches self discipline, I can't make my son eat a hamburger or a
> doughnut. I also can't stop him from eating the hamburger or doughnut if
> he wants to.
>
> To sum up, Exercise is the biggest part of any wrestlers weight loss
> program. A kid doesn't need to starve to lose weight. Fill up on baked
> potatoes and salsa, pasta dishes, rice, fruit and vegetables GET FULL at
> meal time!!!! Body fat checks should be a part of any high school
> wrestling program, the doctor will let a kid know what his minimum weight
> can be. DO NOT BINGE DIET. Of course, these are my opinions, and as you
> know opinions are like arm pits - Everyone has a couple and they usually
> stink!
>
> If you would like more info or if I didn't answer you're questions
> feel free to e-mail or call me.
>
> Have a great holiday season and good luck to you're wrestler!
>
> Jeff Waldron
>
> Sr. Safety Inspector
> Tesoro Northwest Company
> phone 360.293.1430 fax 360.293.1462
> E-Mail [log in to unmask]
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: SHNichols [SMTP:[log in to unmask]]
> Sent: Wednesday, December 23, 1998 3:36 AM
> Subject: Weight Loss
>
> I need some information on the weight loss activities of high school and
> college
> wrestlers. It is all new to me and I need some information ammo for a
> junior in
> one of the schools where I work. Any help, direction would be greatly
> appreciated. Please forward responses directly to me.
>
> Thanks in advance
> VeAnn Sackett-Nichols, RN, BSN, COHN-S
> [log in to unmask]