Wrestling classes changed, tourneys have not

The Northwest Class A conference will hold at least one more divisional wrestling tournament. There has been talk of merging wrestling programs across the western half of Montana into a large divisional tournament this coming season to be held in Corvallis, but the Montana High School Association did not approve the measure.

Two weight classes will merge this wrestling season, dropping from 15 to 13 classes. The new weight classes starting this coming season will be 103, 113, 120, 126, 132, 138, 145, 152, 160, 170, 182, 205 and heavyweight (285).

Last year’s weight classes were 98, 106, 113, 120, 126, 132, 138, 145, 152, 160, 170, 182, 195, 220 and heavyweight (285). In short, the 98 and 106 classes and the 220 and 195 classes have been combined.

There is talk of combining Class A schools in Montana into two divisions for all sports, a West and an East, in 2015-16. The Montana High School Association will examine the proposal in November. Conferences would remain the same, but the change would result in much larger divisional tournaments for basketball, volleyball and wrestling if the plan gains MHSA approval.