NCHSAA Approves Revised Boys Wrestling Dual Team State Playoff Schedule

The NCHSAA Board of Directors voted this morning to approve changes to the boys wrestling dual team state playoff schedule following recent adjustments to the winter championship calendar. With the updated format, higher-seeded teams will host the first and second rounds of the dual team playoffs from February 10 through February 12. The quarterfinals, semifinals, and state finals will then be held February 16 and 17 at a centrally located site that will not be hosting basketball events.

According to the association, the goal of the revised schedule is to eliminate Sunday competition, reduce the number of weigh-ins for student-athletes, and limit travel and financial demands for schools. The changes are also intended to give teams that advance further into the postseason more time to prepare ahead of the Individual Wrestling State Championships.

The schedule adjustment comes after concerns were raised about how closely several postseason events fall on the calendar. Men’s individual wrestling regionals are scheduled for February 13 and 14, placing them directly between the opening rounds of the dual team playoffs and the final rounds. Typically, high school athletes have more turnaround time between postseason competitions, making this stretch especially demanding.

Under the previous plan, the dual team state finals were scheduled for February 22, just one day after the individual state championships. While the revised schedule remains tight, it is viewed as a better alternative to the prior plan by moving the dual team finals earlier.

This is also a change from how the dual team postseason has typically been structured in past seasons. Previously, the first and second rounds were held on one day, followed by the quarterfinals and semifinals on another, with the state finals usually contested on Saturday.

In a release, the NCHSAA thanked the NC Wrestling Coaches Board, school administrators, athletic directors, coaches, officials, and host sites for their collaboration and continued dedication to North Carolina high school athletics. And they stated Additional details regarding host sites and match schedules will be communicated when they become available.