Jim Stoudenmire has made quite an impact on the Apalachee High School wrestling program and hopes to see his wrestlers take even more steps forward during the upcoming season.
That’s why work this summer, as is always the case, has been so important for the AHS wrestling program.
“Our summer has gone well,” the coach said. “We have been practicing a couple of days each week and have gone to some area camps. Several of our wrestlers play football so we try to avoid having them make a decision on what to attend.”
With his practice schedule set on Tuesdays and Thursdays to avoid conflicts with football, Stoudenmire has also had to deal with players being on vacation.
“Several of our younger wrestlers have been in,” the coach said. “We will wrap things up this week and then get back at it in early October for preseason conditioning.”
One interesting aspect of the upcoming wrestling season will be new weight classes, approved by the National Federation of State High School Association Wrestling Rules Committee. Ten of the 14 weight classes will be different.
New weight classes will include 106, 113, 120, 126, 132, 138, 145, 152, 160, 170, 182, 195, 220 and 285.
“I don’t think it will make a big difference for us,” Stoudenmire said. “We don’t have that many kids trying to cut weight. I’ve never been one of to try and get kids to do that because when weight goes so does strength. It’s not worth it and you aren’t going to gain a big advantage by cutting weight. A weight management program is different because you see what you need to do day-to-day and there is no room for doubt.”
When it comes to the heavyweight division, the AHS coach would like to see this become an unlimited weight class.
“There are kids who are 6-5, 300 pounds and there’s no way they will ever get to wrestle,” Stoudenmire said. “To me, if they get a good physical from a doctor and are cleared to wrestle, I think they should be able to. A Division I-A lineman may weight 290 pounds and the college coaches don’t want him to lose an ounce.”
