Since wrestling season is well underway, it seems fitting to explain some terms in reference to the “aggressive hugging” sport. CMU women’s wrestling has a team record of 7-8 overall; their next home duel is scheduled for Feb. 7 against Chadron State College. Men’s wrestling has an overall team score of 4-1, with their next home duel against Colorado School of Mines on Jan. 23.
There are a few simple terms that may help a fan cheer on the Maverick wrestlers:
Dual:
Duals are when two teams go head-to-head. There are multiple weight-classes; each team will choose a starting wrestler for a class who will battle the opponent’s starter of that class. If a team is missing a weight class, it results in a forfeit. Duals are decided by whichever team has more team points. These vary based on the victory margin: pins, disqualifications, forfeits and technical points.
Takedown:
Throughout the entirety of a match, wrestlers face off their opponents in a standing position. A takedown is the process of getting an opponent from the standing position to the bottom position. This can be done through throws or shots. Common takedown examples include single leg, double leg and a head and arm throw. Currently, takedowns are worth three points in NCAA.
Neutral Position:
This is the starting position of both wrestlers in a match. Both are standing and working towards a takedown.
Reversal:
When a wrestler flips control in the match, by switching from the bottom position to the top position, it is called a reversal. These are worth two-five points.
Escape:
This is the process of a wrestler going from the bottom position to a neutral position. Wrestlers have the option to select at the start of periods. A common strategy is to choose the bottom position, in hopes of getting an escape point.
Pin:
Who does not love a flashy win? A pin is when a wrestler holds their opponent’s shoulder blade to the mat, pinning their body, resulting in an instant win no matter the score.
Tech Fall:
Another way to win is when a wrestler has 10-15 or more points than their opponent, depending on the wrestling style. Points come from the aforementioned escapes, takedowns, penalties, reversals and near falls.
Folk-style:
There are a few different styles in wrestling that have varying rules on takedowns, points, period lengths and focus. NCAA men wrestle in folk-style; they focus on control over their opponents, pins and riding time. This style usually allows for more scrambling from the bottom position. Folk-style wrestling consists of three periods.
Free-style:
Women in the NCAA wrestle in free-style; they focus on throws, back-to-mat exposure and standing the wrestlers up if a takedown happens. There are two three-minute periods in free-style. Wrestlers use their entire body to dominate their opponent, contrasting with the Greco-Roman style that focuses on the upper body.
In conclusion, wrestling is a one-on-one sport that allows the competitors to use their brain just as much ash their brawn. CMU wrestling has been dominant in their duels and tournaments this season.
These terms may help an onlooker accurately cheer on the Mavericks for the rest of the season. Obviously, there are many other terms and specifics that make up the history-rich sport; however, these are a good start to becoming a superfan.
