Varsity vs Junior Varsity

Our Philosophy: One Team, One Program

At DPHS Wrestling, we believe in a single, unified program for all our athletes. We proudly support both boys and girls wrestling, with all divisions training together under one coaching staff to build a strong and cohesive team. This approach emphasizes skill development, teamwork, and support for every wrestler. 

Varsity vs Junior Varsity

We field three teams: Boys Varsity, Boys Junior Varsity (JV), and Girls Varsity. While all teams train together, they compete in separate tournaments tailored to their level.

• Boys Varsity: Represents the boys team at the highest level in dual meets and tournaments.

• Boys Junior Varsity (JV): Provides developing wrestlers with critical competition and experience, preparing them to step into a Varsity position when needed. JV is a developmental role, not a less important one. 

• JV Expectations: Our JV wrestlers play a critical role and are expected to be ready for a varsity position at a moment's notice. Staying prepared, focused, and engaged is key, as injuries or other circumstances may call on them to step in and represent the varsity team.

• Girls Varsity: a unified team where girls get the opportunities to gain experience and compete against other girls of all levels.

Every wrestler will get the opportunity to compete in at least five tournaments per season, with at least two matches per tournament. While winning more matches can lead to more opportunities, we define success by effort and improvement, not just wins. Our coaching staff works hard to get as many matches as possible for all our wrestlers. 

Earning Your Spot: The Wrestle-Off Process

Wrestle-offs are a key part of our program, used to determine the starter for each weight class when competition spots are limited. These full-match competitions are typically held during practice under the supervision of our coaches. The winner earns the Varsity spot, while the other wrestler competes at the JV level.

This process ensures a fair and unbiased selection, promoting a healthy and competitive environment. While wrestle-offs are our primary method for earning a spot, coaches may consider additional factors like injury, effort, and attitude. We believe this approach rewards hard work and consistency while ensuring the best athletes represent our school on the mat.

Weight Classes & Weight Certification

For detailed information on weight certification and a healthy approach to weight management, please refer to our Weight & Health page.

Season Schedule & Events

For upcoming practice times, dual meets, and tournaments, see our Calendar page. 

What's Next

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.