Wrestle-Offs:
How are Gold and Black team positions determined?
A wrestler does not automatically receive the right to wrestle-off for a Gold or Black team position. It is always the coach’s discretion as to which wrestler will compete and represent Westfield High School. This decision will be based on a team first policy- simply stated: “What is best for our team?”
In order for a wrestler to earn the privilege of a wrestle-off or challenge, the wrestler must be in good standing academically and consistently following team rules.
Wrestling for Westfield High School is a privilege not a right!
If a wrestler desires to challenge another wrestler for his spot then the challenger must ask the coach at least one practice prior to the wrestle-offs. The coach will then determine whether the challenger merits a wrestle-off. If the coach agrees, then a wrestle-off will take place at a time to be designated by the coach.
On November 27, during “Meet the Coach Night,” the first wrestle-offs will take place. After the initial wrestle-off has taken place and each weight class has been determined, then a ladder system will be used for all subsequent wrestle-offs for the remainder of the season.
What is a ladder system?
A ladder system means that you must climb the ladder to reach the top. Each rung of the ladder constitutes a step closer to the #1 spot (Gold team). If there are 3 wrestlers at a weight class and the initial wrestle-off has already been determined then the challenge process will occur as follows:
A = Gold Team member Top Spot
B = 1st Black Team member 2nd rung
C = 2nd Black Team member 3rd rung
If wrestler C wants to challenge A then he must ask for a challenge match and go through wrestler B to get there. The challenger must win the first wrestle-off match in order for it to go to a best of three. If the challenger loses his challenge match then the wrestle-off is over. (there will not be a best of three).
If wrestler B wants to challenge A then he must ask for a challenge match and if the coach agrees then a challenge match will be scheduled at a time determined by the coach. If wrestler B wins the challenge match then it goes to a best of three. If wrestler B wins 2 out of 3 then wrestler B becomes the Gold Team member and has earned the Top Spot.
If a wrestler is not fulfilling his academic or athletic expectations for the team then he may be removed from the Top Spot or the Black team. If a wrestler continues to struggle with our team expectations than further time off from team competition and possible removal from the team may occur.
Does a Black Team Member get to wrestle with the Gold Team?
There will be times when a Black Team member will travel with the Gold Team. The coach will contact the Black Team member as soon as possible when he is expected to travel with the Gold Team. Due to illness or unforeseen reasons, the Black Team member may be asked to travel with less than 24 hours. Be ready when opportunity comes and knocks on your door!