Pursuing a Wrestling Career?

Hey guys, I'm a junior who is really passionate about wrestling and I've been picking up quite a few wins. I was wondering if anyone knows how my high school wrestling record might impact college applications and whether there are any dedicated scholarships for athletes like me?

Absolutely, your wrestling passion and achievements can impact both college admissions and scholarship opportunities. When it comes to admissions, sports participation, especially at advanced levels, showcases discipline, leadership, and teamwork - traits that colleges look for in their incoming students. Athletic scholarships are also quite prevalent. Many universities offer scholarships to student-athletes depending on the level of the sports program and their available finances.

NCAA, NAIA, and NJCAA are the primary governing bodies for college athletics and they all offer scholarships in varying amounts. For wrestling specifically, the NCAA has about 80 scholarship programs, NAIA offers a few dozen, and NJCAA offers around 60 opportunities. Each body has its own regulations regarding division, eligibility, requirements, and scholarship money distribution. For instance, NCAA's Division I colleges are allowed up to 30 scholarships for men's wrestling programs, whereas Division II colleges provide up to 9.0 scholarships.

Remember, though, competition for these scholarships can be intense, with many student-athletes vying for the same spots. A good strategy to enhance your application for athletic scholarships is to ensure a strong athletic record and maintain a strong academic record as well. You should also start reaching out to college coaches during your junior year so you can get on their radar early.

Good luck on your journey, both academically and athletically! It's great to see such dedication to your sport.