Wednesday Wrestling Wisdom: School the Seasons — Treat Classes Like Training by Jon Gums – Dakota Grappler
Less than eight weeks until most high school wrestlers lace up for the season. Practices ramp up, conditioning windows tighten, and attention narrows to takedowns and tempo. But before the whistle blows and the meet sheets arrive, there’s one training ground many athletes still undervalue: the classroom. Treat your classes like practice—because the habits you build in school will decide how far you go on the mat and beyond.
Sharpening the Brain for the Season Ahead When the calendar compresses and every extra hour counts, balancing school and wrestling becomes the real test. Mental clarity helps you learn techniques faster, stay composed under pressure, and execute the game plan when fatigue sets in. Prioritizing classes now — attending, engaging, asking questions — is the same discipline you show in drilling: it compounds into performance.
“Smart preparation off the mat equals smarter choices on it,” says Justin Marcelo, head coach at Iowa Central Community College. “Guys who manage their academics early have fewer distractions and more energy for competing.”
Education Opens Doors — Fast Athletic potential can get you noticed, but academics open options you can’t afford to gamble on. A solid GPA can secure scholarships, academic eligibility, and the freedom to pursue college programs that match your ambitions. Even if wrestling is only a part of your future, a strong academic record builds a foundation for careers beyond sports — business, engineering, trades, education — and keeps your opportunities wide open when the season ends.
“We recruit tough kids, but we also recruit students who plan,” says Emily Hart, head coach at Lincoln High. “Commitment in the classroom tells us a lot about commitment to a program.”
Discipline Is Transferable — Classroom to Mat Wrestling demands consistency: warm-ups, repetition, conditioning, review. Apply that same regimen to your coursework. Show up to class with a plan, schedule study blocks around practice, and treat homework like technique sets—non-negotiable reps you complete whether you feel like it or not. When tests stack up and travel eats time, that routine is what keeps you eligible and focused.
Never blame schedules, coaches, or coaches’ travel for missed assignments. Take ownership: communicate with teachers early, use study halls wisely, and plan recovery to avoid academic fatigue. Those small acts of responsibility translate directly into reliability on the lineup card.
Trust, Truth, and Teamwork Off the Mat Being a teammate extends beyond sharing the mat. Trust your coaches and classmates, be honest about your workload, and accept help when you need it. Use your team’s academic resources — tutors, grade checks, study tables — and hold each other accountable. The same culture that fosters trust in takedowns should foster trust in report cards.
“Accountability is a trait that wins matches and majors,” noted a wise man Bucky Maughan once said to me, “A wrestler who owns his schedule and grades is easier to coach and more consistent when the lights come on.”
Practical Game Plan — Eight Weeks Out
- Set a study schedule tied to practice times; block at least three focused study sessions per week.
- Prioritize assignments with due dates and test dates clearly marked; treat them like match prep.
- Use team study halls or tutoring before or after practice to maximize time.
- Communicate with teachers now about travel or meet conflicts—don’t wait until you miss work.
- Sleep and nutrition are non-negotiable; they affect both class performance and recovery.
The Smartest Competitors Win In a season decided by small margins, the athletes who balance school and sport consistently are the ones who rise. Mental agility, time management, and discipline — cultivated in the classroom — sharpen your wrestling IQ and competitive edge. Eight weeks is enough time to set reliable habits that will carry you through the grind.
If you want to compete hard this season, invest in your academics with the same intensity you invest in practice. Be disciplined, be accountable, and build a foundation that wins long after the final whistle.
