Not all of high school wrestling occurs on the mat. Coaches and MPA committee members have been known to grapple over issues in the ever changing sport.

The intense nature of wrestling has benefited from having intense individuals willing to take stands on important issues. In such a climate, it’s imperative to have a vocal leader at the forefront.

That role is currently being handled by Marty Ryan, the chairperson of the MPA wrestling committee. Ryan has held the position for three years.

“Wrestling is somewhat of a hidden jewel,” Ryan said. “Naturally, I would like to see additional exposure to this sport. We in wrestling are quite aware of the popularity of basketball in the winter in Maine and would like to have each of the competing sports enhance their recognition.”

In order to achieve this, Ryan believes it is necessary to increase participation, make the sport more attractive to athletes and have it on the cutting edge.

Ryan, the athletic director at Kennebunk, attends numerous wrestling events and meetings. Being visible is part of the leadership Ryan brings to the committee.

In addition to serving on several MPA committees, he has also served as executive director of the Maine Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association. He was the President of the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association in 2001.

The consensus among the members of the committee is that the most notable undertaking to date is the formation of the all-class (A, B and C) state tourney.

“Unfortunately, in order to make this event happen, we compromised,” Ryan said. “The wrestling regular season had to be shortened to accommodate the large facilities needed to host such an undertaking. In addition to the shortened regular season, wrestling also now must wait a longer period prior to the start of the New England Tourney, as we wait for the other states to complete their seasons.”

Maine resumed competing in the New England meet in 1999 following a 21-year hiatus. In 2004, Chris Remsen of Camden Hills and Dekota Cotten of Noble each won New England championships. It was the first time since 1978, Maine wrestlers won two crowns in the same year.

The three state champions automatically qualify for the New Englands.

“I would love to somehow cut down on the dead time,” Ryan said. “Our wrestlers currently endure (three weeks) between the end of the sport season and the start of the New England Tourney. I believe wrestling is the only activity where such a lengthy time exists for the athletes to maintain their competitive edge.”

Combining of the Western B/C regional to one site (Mountain Valley) has been a success. As other venues become available, the length of the regular season could be increased.

One troubling area in wrestling is the issue of weight. Some practices of weight loss are considered unhealthy.

“I believe that the inclusion of the Weight Management program will become a major factor in our sport,” Ryan said. “In discussing this program with other state representatives that have had a weight program for many years, they felt that this is the best thing that they have ever added to the sport of wrestling.”

Approximately 20 Maine schools are involved in a pilot Weight Management Program, which monitors an individual’s weight throughout the season. The WMP becomes mandatory next fall.

“Once we work through a season (we’ll be better educated),” Ryan said. “We will review the impact of this plan. I believe that we will receive the results we are seeking and our wrestlers will maintain their weight-loss in a healthy manner.”

The MPA recently agreed to expand the committee by one person, which will improve coverage of the regional and state meets. In addition, next year will see an increase in countable dates for wrestling from 17 to 18.

In the future, Ryan would like to see more opportunities for younger wrestlers during the high school season.

A decade ago, the National Federation of High Schools increased varsity weight classes from 12 to 14. The state of Maine adopted these rules, however, it has resulted in a greater number of forfeits, especially among smaller schools.

“It only makes sense to me that if you go from 12 to 14 classes, there is a greater opportunity for forfeits,” Ryan said. “However, I need to stress that I do not support a reduction in classes. I believe the more classes we have, the better chance we’ll have to get student athletes to fit in to a class.”