Events
33rd Annual High School Nationals
March 24-26, 2023
Virginia Beach Sports Center
Virginia Beach, VA
High School Nationals is the premier wrestling tournament in the country.
Wrestlers from across the country compete to become All-Americans.
Hotel Partners
The NHSCA is proud to partner of Team Solutions for all of your hotel needs.
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Official Event Apparel
Click on the image above to view the official High School Nationals apparel
Official Seeding Partner of High School Nationals
Pre-seeds will be announced on the MatScouts Rokfin account
Divisions
General Event Information
The event schedule is subject to change by the NHSCA and the City of Virginia Beach
Thursday March 24th
2:00pm – Boys High School Divisions Early weigh-ins begin for pre-purchased (during registration) ONLY
2:30pm – Onsite Boys High School Divisions early weigh-ins begin sales
4:00pm – Boys High School Divisions Early weigh-ins end
6:00 pm- Boys High School Divisions Regular weigh-ins begin
7:30pm- Boys High School Divisions Regular weigh-ins end
Friday March 25th
7:00 am- Doors open at the Virginia Beach Sports Center
9:00 am- Wrestling begins for Boys High School Freshman and Sophomore Divisions
- Wrestle up to the Quarter-Finals in the championship bracket
- All consi bracket competition will begin Saturday March 26th
12:00-2:00pm- Henry Cejudo autograph session in the Courtyard
3:00-5:00pm – Nick Gwiazdowski autograph session in the Courtyard
1:00pm- Wrestling begins for Boys High School Junior and Senior Divisions
- Wrestle up to the Quarter-Finals in the championship bracket
- All consi bracket competition will begin Saturday March 26th
Saturday March 26th
7:00am- Doors open at the Virginia Beach Sports Center
8:00am- Wrestling begins for consi bracket competition for all High School Boys Divisions
- Wrestle up to placement matches (3rd,5th,7th)
12:00pm- Quarterfinals for all High School Boys Divisions
1:00pm- Girls High School Division Early Weigh-Ins at the Virginia Beach Convention Center
2:00pm – Middle School Early Weigh-Ins at the Virginia Beach Convention Center
2:15pm: Joey McKenna Free Clinic on the Semi-Finals Mats
3:00pm- Semifinals for all High School Boys Divisions
3:00pm- Girls High School Division Regular Weigh-Ins at the Virginia Beach Convention Center
4:00pm-Middle School Regular Weigh-Ins at the Virginia Beach Convention Center
5:00-7:00pm- College Coach Fair in the Courtyard of the Virginia Beach Sports Center
Sunday March 27th
7:00am- Doors open at the Virginia Beach Sports Center
8:00am – Wrestling begins for Boys High School Divisions placement matches (3rd,5th,7th)
8:00am- Middle School Division begins
10:00am – Boys High School Finals
9:30am- McKendree University Head Women’s Wrestling Coach Sam Schmitz Clinic
10:00am – Girls High School Division begins
Awards will be presented at the podium following the finals match of each division and weight class. Awards will not be shipped.
All High School Boy divisions will compete Day 1 and Day 2 of High School Nationals.
Two Day Tickets are available for purchase: Here
Children 5 and under are free.
Tickets for Day 3 – Medal Matches, Girls & Middle School – will be available onsite. (Girls and Middle Schoolers in attendance Friday do not need an additional spectator ticket.)
** All Tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable.
What is that the All-Event Pass?
The 2022 NHSCA All-Event Pass permits coaches to attend and be in the corner for the following events:
- 33rd Annual High School Nationals
- 23rd Annual National Duals
- 3rd Annual Fall National Duals
Step 1) Be a current member of the NHSCA. Membership is $40. — Click Here!
Step 2) Read the event code of conduct: Here
Step 3) Purchase the 2022 All-Event Pass $70:
Coaches who are ONLY coaching in the Girls High School Division or Middle School Division DO NOT need to purchase the All-Event Pass. The Girls & Middle School coaches pass can be purchased onsite on Saturday, March 26th. This is only valid for the one day of competition.
Visit the Virginia Beach Sports Center Site: Here
- Conduct within the facility should be in the spirit of good sportsmanship at all times.
- At no time shall spectators enter the field to speak with officials, coaches, or players. Any spectator that enters the field to confront an official or another player will be suspended from the facility.
- Inappropriate, and disrespectful language is not tolerated and will result in facility suspension.
- Should you find or lose any items please report the incident immediately to a Virginia Beach Sports Center employee. The Virginia Beach Sports Center owner(s) and staff do not assume responsibility for any items lost or stolen.
- No cleats permitted anywhere other than the track and designated bathrooms on the track side of the facility only.
- No food or drinks on the fields or volleyball courts. Outside food and drinks are not permitted in the Virginia Beach Sports Center use. Players and referees may bring 1 water bottle.
- No animals, with the exception of service animals, will be allowed in the facility.
- No form of tailgating is allowed in or around the Virginia Beach Sports Center.
- Includes but is not limited to: tents, coolers, large umbrellas, tables, grills, and/or RVs.
- Facility staff reserves the right to check all bags entering the facility.
- No chewing tobacco or chewing gum permitted in the facility at any time.
- No sunflower seeds or similar type products are permitted in the facility.
- No glass containers on the field, volleyball courts, or in the player boxes.
- Video recording or photography from the player boxes is not allowed.
- Children must be supervised at all times.
- Balls shall not be kicked, thrown, or hit against the building walls (interior or exterior) unless on the playing field. Damage caused by these actions shall be the financial responsibility of the individual, or their parents or legal guardians.
Preferred parking (Sports Center Lots 1 & 2) can be accessed from 17th Street.
Parking is free – Click Here To View The Parking Map
All wrestlers MUST weigh-in in singlets!
Senior Division: 113, 120, 126, 132, 138, 145, 152, 160, 170, 182, 195, 220, 285
Junior Division: 106, 113, 120, 126, 132, 138, 145, 152, 160, 170, 182, 195, 220, 285
Sophomore Division: 106, 113, 120, 126, 132, 138, 145, 152, 160, 170, 182, 195, 220, 285
Freshman Division: 106, 113, 120, 126, 132, 138, 145, 152, 160, 170, 182, 195, 220, 285
Girls High School: 103, 112, 120, 128, 136, 144, 160, 185, 230
i.e. 126 weight class will be 129 pounds
Wrestlers may compete at one of the below:
- The weight class at which you entered your State’s 2021-22 Individual or Dual Meet Championships
- A higher weight class
- As low as your “Minimum Weight Class” according to the NWCA Optimal Weight Calculator, verified by a hard copy of your schools Alpha Master Report.
- If your state does NOT use the OPC, then you are required to wrestle no lower than the weight you wrestled at your Individual State or Dual Meet Championships.
For example: If your optimum weight calculator allows you to compete at 121.8, you are only eligible for the 126lb weight class NOT 120. Your optimum weight calculator must allow you to compete at the “scratch” weight class. However, you can enter the same weight or any weight class higher.
Boys High School Divisions – Thursday March 24th
2:00pm – Early weigh-ins begin for pre-purchased (during registration) ONLY
2:30pm – Onsite early weigh-ins begin sales
4:00pm – Early weigh-ins end and venue is closed
Important Weigh-In Information
- All wrestlers must weigh-in wearing a singlet
- Check scales are not available prior; athletes may use several scales onsite during weigh-ins
1:00-1:45pm – Girls High School Division early weigh-ins at the Virginia Beach Convention Center
Middle School Division – Saturday March 26th
2:00- 2:45 pm- Middle School Division early weigh-ins at the Virginia Beach Convention Center
Cost
$20 — Online – Add-On during your registration check out on Flosports.
$25 — Onsite — Cash only.
Please Note: Early weigh-in purchases are only valid for the 2022 NHSCA High School Nationals
Boys High School Divisions – Thursday March 24th
6:00pm- Regular weigh-ins begin
7:30pm- Regular weigh-ins end
Important Weigh-In Information
- All wrestlers must weigh-in wearing a singlet
- Check scales are not available prior; athletes may use several scales onsite during weigh-ins
3:00-3:45pm – Girls High School Division early weigh-ins at the Virginia Beach Convention Center
Middle School Division – Saturday March 26th
4:00-4:45pm- Middle School Division early weigh-ins at the Virginia Beach Convention Center
Please Note: There is no on-site registration.
There is no penalty or fee to change your weight.
Pre–Event: If you would like to update your weight class before March 18th, please email championshipevents@nhsca.com. After this date, changes will only be made at weigh-ins.
Onsite: All changes will occur at the assigned weight-change location/scales
If your wrestler has any skin issues, please print this form for your doctor. Form must be filled out by
doctor within 7 days of the start of competition at High School Nationals and brought to weigh-ins.
Please note: We still reserve the right to override form if our head trainer/doctor sees any “active” skin issues.
Boys and Girls High School Match Times:
- Championship Bracket: 2-2-2
- Consolation Bracket: 1-1:30-1:30
There will be full wrestle-backs for all consolation matches.
Please Note: All American rounds will revert to 2-2-2
Middle School Match Times:
- Championship Bracket: 1:30-1:30-1:30
- Consolation Bracket: 1-1-1
There will be full wrestle-backs for all consolation matches.
Please Note: Future All American rounds will revert to 1:30-1:30-1:30
High School Nationals will follow the strictest interpretation of the NFHS rules with the following exceptions:
- Headgear is optional for high school
- Uniform type is optional i.e. high school, club, generic singlet, two piece approved by Federation, etc.
- Shoe laces are secured if double knotted but at your own peril
- College out of bounds rules will be used for control and near-fall/falls
- Go to the table and inform the mat official that you would like a video review of a call
- The mat official will inform the POD Leader that you would like a video review and the coach will provide him the $50.00 cash fee for the review (if you are correct and the call is changed you will receive you money back if you lose the protest you forfeit the money)
- A review team member will come to the mat and complete the video review and inform the table of his decision which is final
- Falls
The top eight (8) place finishers in each weight-class will receive awards as well as official recognition as an All-American. Upon achieving All-American status, you will receive a certificate with your award.
If you are a member of the press and would like to apply for a press pass to cover High School Nationals please email championshipevents@nhsca.com with the Subject Line: Press Pass Request- “Your Name”. An NHSCA staff member will reach out to you directly with press registration information.
What airport is the closest to the event?
- The closest airport is Norfolk. It is approximate 18 miles from the venue.
- No! You can wear any singlet of your choosing. School singlets are fine provided your school does not have an issue.
- Uniform type is optional i.e. high school, club, generic singlet, two piece approved by Federation, etc.
Do I have to wear a singlet to weigh-in?
- Yes! All wrestlers are required to wear singlets for weigh ins.
What is the refund policy?
- We will refund the entry fee with a doctor’s note. If you need to withdrawal, please send the note to Championshipevents@nhsca.com.
Do I have to wear headgear?
- No! Headgear is not required but recommended for your safety..
Can I bring a cooler into the sports center?
- The VBSC does not allow outside food or beverages.
Can I bring food or drinks into the sports center?
- The VBSC does not allow outside food or beverages.
Will there be mat space to workout on Thursday?
- No, due to set up we are unable to provide workout space in 2022.
Can I park an RV in the parking lot of the Sports Center or the Convention Center?
- No! RVs are not permitted in the Sports Center or Convention Center lots.
Do I need to have a coach?
- No, you are not required to have a coach. We do have an “orphan coach” that you can sign up for at the event as well!
Do coaches have to check in on Thursday?
- No, coaches can check in anytime throughout the duration of the event to pick up or purchase an All Events Coach Pass.
If you have any questions or need assistance, please email us at Championshipevents@nhsca.com.
Click Here to see results on Arena.
Registration Opens: Monday, January 3, 2022
Registration Closes: Saturday March 19th at midnight
Registration Fee: $65.00
Registration Link: Click Here
*Seeding credentials and weights can be updated after registering – please email Championshipevents@nhsca.com.
- A coach has tremendous influence upon student-athletes and shall never place winning above
the value of instilling the highest ideals of character. - The coach shall strive to set an example of the highest ethical and moral conduct with the student-athlete, officials, the media, tournament officials and the public.
- The coach shall speak to athletes who display unacceptable behavior
- The coach shall respect and support contest officials by avoiding conduct which will incite players or spectators against the officials.
- The coach shall promote good sportsmanship of spectators by working closely with tournament officials.
- One of the goals of the NHSCA is to provide a positive experience and safe environment for
student-athletes. Therefore adult coaches, officials, staff and volunteers shall maintain professionalism and avoid any appearance of impropriety in their relationships with students. - Coaches, in particular should recognize the influence, power and position of trust they have with students and should use this only in a student-athlete’s best interest.
- Any incident regarding misconduct should be reported promptly to law enforcement or NHSCA personnel.
- Although NHSCA does not maintain a background-screening process for any coach who completes a coaching application form, all coaches are hereby made aware that NHSCA reserves the right to adopt the rulings and findings set forth by other organizations including but not limited to USA Wrestling, AAU Wrestling, SafeSport and UWW. An applicant for coaching pass that is rejected by NHSCA will be given proper notice and opportunity to be heard with respect to the rejection of the coaching application.
- NHSCA reserves the right to remove anyone from the event who is found to be barred from coaching by other jurisdictions even if this information is discovered after the event has begun.
March 24-26, 2023
Clinics
Free for anyone to attend
Joey McKenna
3x Prep National Champion
3x All-American for Stanford & Ohio State
2x Pac-12 Champion
2x Big Ten Champion
3x NWCA Scholar All
American & 2x Academic
All-Big Ten
NCAA Finalist
3x Fargo Champion (Greco-Roman)
2x Fargo Finalist (Freestyle)
US Cadet World Team Member
2x US Junior World Team Member
2014 – Junior World Silver Medalist
2017 – U23 Bronze Medalist
2018 – US Open Champion
2018 – Final X Runner-Up
2019 – US Open Runner-Up, Fourth at Bill Farrell International, Second at Last Chance Qualifier
2020 – Third at Senior Nationals, Seventh at Matteo Pellicone International
2021 – Second at Olympic Team Trials, Bronze at Matteo Pellicone International, Ninth at Ivan Yarygin Grand Prix, Ninth at International Ukrainian Tournament, Pan American Champion, Bronze at Poland Open, Second at World Team Trials