*Amateur Wrestling News*

*Amateur Wrestling News*. For decades, this publication has served as the definitive periodical and record-keeping authority for the sport of amateur wrestling in the United States. Founded in the mid-20th century, it has chronicled the careers of countless athletes, from high school standouts to NCAA champions and Olympic medalists. The magazine is renowned for its comprehensive rankings, meet results, and in-depth features, establishing itself as an indispensable resource for coaches, wrestlers, and fans across the nation.

History and founding

The magazine was established in 1955 by Bert Goliath, a prominent figure in Oklahoma wrestling circles, who sought to create a centralized source of information for the growing sport. Its early offices were located in Stillwater, Oklahoma, a city deeply connected to the wrestling program at Oklahoma State University. Initially focusing on collegiate wrestling within the Big Eight Conference, the publication quickly expanded its scope. By the 1960s, it was covering national NCAA championships, AAU events, and the journey of American wrestlers to the Tokyo Olympics. The magazine weathered the consolidation of wrestling media and remained a constant through the sport's evolution, including the rise of women's wrestling and the challenges faced by USA Wrestling.

Content and coverage

The core of the magazine's content has always been its exhaustive results and rankings, which are considered the sport's standard. It publishes national rankings for NCAA divisions, including Division I, II, and III, as well as for high school wrestlers across all weight classes. Each issue features previews and recaps of major tournaments like the NCAA Championships, the Big Ten Championships, and the NAIA National Championships. Beyond statistics, it runs profiles on elite athletes such as Dan Gable, Cael Sanderson, and John Smith, technical articles by renowned coaches, and coverage of international competitions like the World Wrestling Championships and the Pan American Games.

Notable contributors and staff

Over the years, the magazine has been shaped by editors and writers deeply embedded in the wrestling community. Founder Bert Goliath set the editorial tone for its first decades. Later, influential figures like Ron Good and Mike Chapman served as editors, with Chapman also being a noted wrestling historian. Prominent coaches, including Rob Koll of Stanford University and Tom Brands of the University of Iowa, have contributed technique columns and commentary. The magazine's rankings have often been compiled by respected analysts like Dan Hodge, whose name graces the Hodge Trophy, awarded to the nation's top collegiate wrestler. Its photographer corps has captured iconic images at venues from Carver-Hawkeye Arena to Madison Square Garden.

Impact and recognition

The magazine's influence on the sport is profound, as its rankings directly affect seeding in major tournaments and are a key metric for recruiting. Its consistent documentation has created an invaluable historical archive for institutions like the National Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum in Stillwater, Oklahoma. The publication has been cited by major media outlets, including ESPN and Sports Illustrated, for its authoritative data. It has also played a role in advocacy, highlighting issues facing the sport during the 2009 program cuts and supporting the "Keep Olympic Wrestling" movement prior to the 2020 Tokyo Games. For many in the community, it is considered the "bible" of amateur wrestling.

Publication details and format

Originally published on a bi-weekly schedule during the core collegiate wrestling season from November to March, the magazine shifted to a monthly format in later years. Its traditional print edition featured a distinctive layout with action photography, detailed brackets, and feature articles. With the digital revolution, it expanded its presence online, offering electronic subscriptions and daily updates through its website to cover fast-breaking news from events like the NCAA tournament and the Olympic Trials. While adapting to new media, it has maintained its focus as a periodical dedicated solely to the sport of wrestling, a rarity in the modern sports publishing landscape.

Category:American sports magazines Category:Wrestling publications Category:Magazines established in 1955 Category:Sports magazines published in the United States