If you are a high school wrestler, you may be able to use your talents to pay for your college education! Every year, over 1 Billion dollars are awarded to college athletes in the form of scholarships. These scholarships can be full or partial. When it comes to paying for that college education, every penny helps. A scholarship is also the perfect way to prove that you rank among the best wrestlers in the nation.
Wrestling Background
The NCAA has recognized wrestling as a college sport for many, many years. Wrestling, itself, can be traced all the way back to the days of ancient Rome. For the most part, wrestlers begin the sport at a very early age, so their skills are pretty developed by the time they reach their final high school days. It was the 3rd sport established by the NCAA. Most recruiters begin to take notice of talented wrestlers by their junior year at high school, so it is very important that you don't wait until the last moment to get your act together!
Types of Wrestling Scholarships
There are about 85 Division I colleges and close to 40 Division II colleges that provide wrestling scholarships. The best way to increase your chances of receiving a wrestling scholarship is to apply to every single college offering them. If you can't get into your favorite Division I team, you may be able to get into a Division II; you have more than one option.
Getting noticed
If you want to grab your share of the 1 Billion dollars awarded every year to many athletes, then you first have to get your ducks in a row. The biggest factor in getting a wrestling scholarship or not is whether or not the coaches know who you are. In order to get yourself noticed, you will need to market you and your skills. You can market yourself, by filling out an athletic profile and submitting it to every college available, or you can use recruiting services to do the legwork.
Where the Wind Blows
Of course, when it comes to choosing the right school for you, location may be a key factor, too. There are plenty of different colleges that offer a wrestling program, but here are some of the most popular destinations:
University of North Carolina - The Tar Heels are widely regarded as some of the most fierce wrestlers in the nation! If you like the 4 seasons, then this might be a good place to call home. You can train in the Dean Smith Center... Which is over 3000,000 square feet in size. With an extensive weight room, this training center has all you need to stay in shape!
One of the very best places to pursue your wrestling dreams is Cal State-Bakersfield. If you are looking for a top-notch program that will really sharpen your skills, this is the place! Renowned for intensive weeklong training camps for individuals and teams, Cal State-Bakersfield is great for conditioning, training and polishing up on all of those needed techniques to be the best in the nation! Not to mention the fact that it is in sunny California! Beautiful weather and a great wrestling program.. What more could you ask for??
Don't Miss the Opportunity
Every year, thousands of wrestling scholarship money is left over. This happens because either the coaches aren't aware of potential talent or because there isn't enough talent out there. If you think that you may have a chance at obtaining a wrestling scholarship, take the time to get yourself noticed, whether it is by means of marketing yourself or handing the reigns over to a recruiting service.
If you are not sure if you are good enough to get a scholarship for wrestling, attend some college meets to better gauge the level of skills that you will be expected to demonstrate.