Preseason Starts Now! Get Ready for an Exciting Wrestling Season
by Jon Gums – Dakota Grappler
The countdown to the wrestling season has officially begun—are you prepared to hit the mats at your best? If you haven’t started your offseason preparation, today is the perfect moment to get moving. With just 9 weeks remaining until North Dakota kicks off its wrestling season on November 10th with practices, now is the time to prioritize your training, conditioning, and mental readiness.
The first contest, sanctioned by the NDHSAA, is scheduled for November 21st. Coaches and athletes, it’s crucial to mark your calendars and organize your priorities to ensure you’re fully prepared for this upcoming challenge. Early planning and consistent effort will set the foundation for a successful season.
Important Dates and Reminders
- October 18th (3rd Wednesday in October): This is the earliest date wrestlers can undergo their Body Fat Assessment (BFA) and hydration testing, as permitted by the NDHSAA. Make sure to schedule your assessments accordingly to stay compliant with regulations and to track your progress effectively.
Creating Your Wrestling Journal: Your Personal Roadmap to Success
A key aspect of preseason preparation is maintaining a dedicated journal. This journal will serve as your personal roadmap, helping you stay focused, motivated, and organized throughout the season. Here are some essential sections to include:
- Calendar: Mark important dates such as practice times, competitions, assessment appointments, and rest days. Use this to plan ahead and balance your academic, athletic, and personal commitments.
- Workout Plan: Outline your training schedule, including strength training, cardio, skill drills, and recovery sessions. Updating this regularly can help you stay on track and adapt as needed.
- Highs and Lows: Record your daily or weekly successes and challenges. Reflecting on these will help you understand your progress and areas that need improvement.
- Motivational Quotes: Include inspiring sayings or personal mantras that energize you during tough times and keep your focus sharp.
- Goals Sections: Set specific, measurable season-long goals—both athletic and personal. Break these down into smaller weekly or monthly targets to stay motivated and on track.
Additional Ideas for Your Journal
- Nutrition Log: Track your daily eating habits to ensure you’re fueling your body properly.
- Hydration Tracker: Monitor your water intake, especially leading up to assessments and competitions.
- Mental Preparation: Include mindfulness exercises, visualization techniques, or journal entries to boost your mental resilience.
Starting and maintaining a well-organized journal is a powerful step toward maximizing your potential this season. By planning meticulously, staying motivated, and tracking your progress, you’ll be set to compete at your highest level.
Get ready—preseason is here, and the journey to excellence begins today!
**All in wrestling journal**. I would love to hear what people have to say about it… I think I am going to order one and see what it is all about before I totally promote it! If anyone has used it contact me, or write a review.**
Thanks Jon Gums





