Your Preseason Guide

Preseason Tournaments

Before the official high school season begins, athletes can compete in fall USA Wrestling tournaments held on Saturdays from mid-September to early November. These events are a great way to gain extra matches, test skills, and build confidence. Wrestlers of all experience levels are encouraged to participate.

Conditioning & Skill Development

Preseason practices focus on building:

• Strength and conditioning

• Basic wrestling technique

• Drilling and live wrestling reps

• Consistent attendance helps athletes step into the season in shape and prepared.

✅ Preseason Checklist

• Get cleared: Complete a current sports physical and athletic clearance: DPHS Forms

• Attend preseason practices: 4th period and after school sessions (October–November)

• Sign up: Complete the DPHS Wrestling sign-up form 

• If needed, Revisit Previous Topic: Make sure you’ve reviewed all items from the previous Welcome to DPHS Wrestling page, including gear, hygiene, forms, GroupMe and team policies and expectations. 

If you plan to compete in preseason tournaments

• Complete the DPHS Wrestling sign-up form to receive your free USAW membership

• SafeSport training: If turning 17 by August 31 of the preseason, complete SafeSport training

• Preseason tournaments: Enter at least one tournament (recommended, September–November)

If you plan to attend club practices 

• Join the club team to receive your free USAW membership

• SafeSport training: If turning 17 by August 31 of the preseason, complete SafeSport training

• Club practices: Tuesdays & Thursdays, August–September (must join the club team)
  
  

What’s Next

Once you’ve completed preseason requirements, you’re ready for live competition. Head over to the Off-Season Tournaments page to learn about local tournaments work and how to sign up. 

Introduction to Wrestling

Your guide to joining the team, team culture, health, competitions, and getting involved. Each section links to a dedicated page covering key topics: 

• 1a. Welcome to DPHS Wrestling - Everything you need to know for the high school team, including how to join, required gear, team policies, and schedules.

• 1b. Welcome to Lab Wrestling - Your guide to the club wrestling program, including how to join, required gear, team policies, and schedules.

• 2. Weight & Health – Focuses on weight classes, weight certification, weight allowance, nutrition, hygiene, and keeping athletes safe. 

• 3. Rules of Wrestling – An overview of the basic objective and rules.

• 4. Preseason – Covers the period from mid-August to early November, including practices, optional club sessions, preseason tournaments, and preparation for the season.

• 5. Competition Overview – Explains the different types of wrestling events, including off-season tournaments, in-season tournaments, and dual meets, with guidance on what to expect and how to participate. 

• 6. Off-Season Tournaments – Guides athletes through optional preseason and postseason tournaments, including USA Wrestling membership, SafeSport requirements, registration, weigh-ins, transportation, and what to expect on competition day.

• 7. Competition Day Guide – Provides detailed guidance for the day of a competition (and the night before), covering what to pack, weigh-ins, warm-ups, food and hydration, sportsmanship, match flow, and post-competition steps.

• 8. Varsity vs Junior Varsity – Explains the structure of the DPHS wrestling program, differences between JV and Varsity, the role of wrestle-offs, and how athletes earn their spot on each team. 

Upcoming topics: 

• Building Community – Booster Club, communication, volunteering, and fundraising.

• Alumni & History – Program highlights and photo archives.

• Long-Term Development – Off-season opportunities and preventing burnout.

No matter where you are in the season, this is the place to start and the place to come back to.