MSHSL votes for 13 weights for boys and girls wrestling

Minnesota State High School League Board of Directors Meeting Release 

BROOKLYN CENTER, Minn. — Participation in Girls and Boys Wrestling will be across 13 weight divisions each beginning with the 2023-2024 season following approval of the Minnesota State High School League’s Board of Directors at its scheduled meeting at League headquarters.

The newly-approved weight divisions come as a result of an NFHS wrestling rules modification that requires each state association to select the number of weight classes for their state at 12, 13 or 14.

The board used information from a survey of member schools and a recommendation from the League’s Wrestling Advisory Committee in making their decision. The approval brings alignment in the weight divisions between both genders of participants when enacted next school year.

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Officially, a Hall of Famer – Fridley ref Ron Ackerman to join MSHSL Hall of Fame

As the saying goes, the best officials are the ones you don’t notice.

Try as he might, though, Ron Ackerman couldn’t escape recognition forever.

Long seen as one of Minnesota’s top referees, later taking on leadership roles in teaching and supporting officials across the state, the Fridley native’s near six decades in the sport has had a visible impact at every level of wrestling.

Already a member of the Dave Bartelma National Wrestling Hall of Fame, at the start of October, Ackerman’s work earned another prestigious honor as he was named one of the Minnesota State High School League Hall of Fame Class of 2022 inductees.

Ackerman’s wrestling career began largely due to circumstance — and genetics. Only 5-foot-2 and 90 pounds as a freshman, size proved a hindrance to playing basketball. It also proved perfect to filling a spot in the Pipestone High School wrestling lineup. Continue reading at hometownsource.com →

MSHSL Representative Assembly to vote on adding boys volleyball, girls wrestling

BROOKLYN CENTER, Minn. — The 48-member Representative Assembly legislative body of the Minnesota State High School League is scheduled to meet on Tuesday, May 11 in a virtual format at 9 a.m. Included in its agenda is the consideration of proposed amendments to add the sport of Boys Volleyball and a Girls Wrestling postseason division to the League’s programming of co-curricular opportunities.

A two-thirds majority vote is required for approval. If approved, the activities will be enacted for the 2021-2022 school year.

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High school wrestling gets the green light to begin competitions on Jan. 14

BROOKLYN CENTER, Minn. — Winter sports contests and competitions under sponsorship of the Minnesota State High School League may resume beginning Thursday, Jan. 14, 2021, after updated information within COVID-19 Youth and Adult Sports was announced today by the Minnesota Department of Health. Included in the announcement was the release of a new document COVID-19 Sports Practice Guidance for Youth and Adults.  

This new guidance and information is an important step as the League continues forward with a winter season model approved by the Board of Directors. This flexible model will be adapted to include the start of practice on Jan. 4 and the start of competitions on Jan. 14. The League continues to work with member schools to provide leadership and support to ensure the safest possible return to sports and activities.  

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MSHSL winter sports to begin in-person practice on January 4th

BROOKLYN CENTER, Minn. — In alignment with Executive Order 20-103 announced today by Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, the Minnesota State High School League will begin in-person practice for winter sports and activities on Mon., Jan. 4, 2021.

Thirteen days ago, the League’s Board of Directors approved a flexible scheduling model, presented by the Return to Participation Task Force, which will adapt to the new Executive Order. The new mandate modifies and is an extension of Executive Order 20-99 that went into effect on Nov. 20 and was set to expire Dec. 18. The first date of competition under the new directive has not yet been determined.

Member schools have the option to begin in-person participation at a later date if it best aligns with their district’s COVID-19 response plan.

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