High School Nationals

Events

35th Annual High School Nationals

April 5-7, 2024

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

Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront
Starting at $189/Night
3001 Atlantic Ave, Virginia Beach
In the heart of the Virginia Beach Resort District
Holiday Inn Virginia Beach Norfolk Hotel & Conference Center
Starting at $131/night
5655 Greenwich Road, Virginia Beach
Restaurant and Bar Onsite
HYATT PLACE VIRGINIA BEACH/OCEANFRONT
Starting at $139/Night
3601 Atlantic Avenue, Virginia Beach
Brand New Property Open June 2022
Coastal Hotel & Suites Virginia Beach Oceanfront
Starting at $169/Night
2015 Atlantic Ave, Virginia Beach
All Rooms Oceanfront
Hilton Garden Inn Virginia Beach Oceanfront
Starting at $179/Night
3315 Atlantic Ave, Virginia Beach
Private Oceanfront Balconies
Comfort Suites Beachfront
Starting at $99/Night
2321 Atlantic Avenue, Virginia Beach
All Suites Hotel

Divisions

Girls
Enrolled in Grades 9th-12th during 2023-2024 School Year
Middle School
Enrolled in Grades 6th-8th during 2023-2024 School Year
Senior
Senior eligibility 2023-2024 School Year
Junior
Junior eligibility 2023-2024 School Year
Sophomore
Sophomore eligibility 2023-2024 School Year
Freshman
Freshman eligibility 2023-2024 School Year

General Event Information

Registration Opens:  January 2024, Date TBD

Registration Fee: $65.00

*Seeding credentials and weights can be updated after registering – please email Championshipevents@nhsca.com.Janur

Please note: This schedule is subject to change during the planning process for the event. 

Thursday March 23rd – Weigh-ins For All High School Divisions

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 building is closed

6:00pm- Regular weigh-ins begin

7:30pm- Regular weigh-ins end

Friday March 24th

7:00am- Doors open at the Virginia Beach Sports Center

8:00am-  Wrestling begins for Boys High School Freshman, Boys Sophomore, and High School Girls Divisions 

  • Wrestle up to the Quarter-Finals in the championship bracket
  •  All consultation bracket competition will begin Saturday March 25th

10:00am- Trent Hidlay Autographs and Meet & Greet at the ATAC Booth

12:00pm- Joey McKenna Autographs and Meet & Greet the ASICS Brand Experience on the Second Level of the venue 

1:00pm- Wrestling begins for Boys High School Junior and Senior Divisions 

  • Wrestle up to the Quarter-Finals in the championship bracket
  •  All consultation bracket competition will begin Saturday March 25th

Saturday March 25th

7:00am- Doors open at the Virginia Beach Sports Center

8:00am- Wrestling begins for the consolation bracket for Boys High School Freshman, Boys Sophomore, and High School Girls Divisions 

  • Wrestle up to the placement matches (3rd, 5th, 7th)

10:00-11:00am- Middle School Division early weigh-ins at the Virginia Beach Convention Center

  • 10:30am –  Onsite early weigh-ins begin sales

11:00am- Wrestling begins for the consolation bracket for Boys High School Juniors and  Senior Divisions 

  • Wrestle up to the placement matches (3rd, 5th, 7th)

11:30am- Seth Gross Autographs and Meet & Greet the ASICS Brand Experience on the Second Level of the venue 

12:00pm- Quarter finals for all High School Divisions begin

1:00pm- Free Clinic brought to you by ASICS featuring Gross and McKenna on Mats 24-27

1:00-2:00pm- Middle School Division Regular weigh-ins at the Virginia Beach Convention Center

2:00pm- Semi Finals for all High School Divisions

2:00pm- Kyle Snyder Meet & Greet

5:00-7:00pm – College Fair for all attendees

Sunday March 26th

7:00am- Doors open at the Virginia Beach Sports Center

8:00am – Wrestling begins for all High School Divisions placement matches and Middle School Division

10:00am – All High School Finals Begin 

Please note: This schedule is subject to change during the planning process for the event. 

As a 501c3 non-profit serving members from across the country, representing all beliefs the NHSCA aims to be inclusive and considerate to all. The association values are rooted in kindness, collaboration and mutual respect.
 
  • 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.

What is that the All-Event Pass?

The 2023 NHSCA All-Event Pass permits coaches to attend and be in the corner for the following events:

  • 34th Annual High School Nationals
  • 24th Annual National Duals
How to purchase?

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 2023 All-Event Pass $70: Click Here

Middle School Coaches:

If you are ONLY coaching the Middle School division that competes on Sunday ,March 26th you DO NOT need to purchase an All-Event Pass:

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) You can purchase you Middle School Coaches Pass onsite starting during the Middle School Weigh-Ins

*If you are Middle School ONLY coaches and are intending to coach at the National Duals May 27-29, 2023, you can purchase an All-Event Pass and have coaches privileges at both events.   

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: 100, 107, 114, 120, 126, 132, 138, 145, 152, 165, 185, 235 

Middle School: 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 100, 105, 112, 119, 127, 135, 142, 154, 165, 180, 230
 
There will be one weigh-in for the entire event with a 3-pound weight allowance. 
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 2022-23 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.

Beginning with the upcoming 2023 High School Nationals.  If the athlete’s  “Minimum Lowest Weight Class” falls within the 3 pounds+  weight allowance of the event weight-class,  the athlete is eligible to register and compete at the listed event weight class.

Example: If your Minimum Lowest Weight Class is 107lbs, you are eligible to wrestle at the 106lbs weight class (106+3=109lbs)

Boys & Girls High School Divisions –  Thursday March 23rd 

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
Middle School Division – Saturday March 25th
 

10:00-11:00am- Middle School Division early weigh-ins at the Virginia Beach Convention Center

10:30am –  Onsite early weigh-ins begin sales

11:00am – Early weigh-ins end and venue is closed

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 2023 NHSCA High School Nationals

Boys & Girls High School Divisions –  Thursday, March 23rd

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
Middle School Division – Saturday, March 25th

1:00-2:00pm- Middle School Division weigh-ins at the Virginia Beach Convention Center

Please Note: There is no on-site event registration.

There is no penalty or fee to change your weight. 

PreEventIf  you would like to update your weight class by March 19th, please email championshipevents@nhsca.com. After this date, all changes will occur at weigh-ins.

OnsiteAll changes will occur  at the assigned weight-change location/scales.

On Sale Starting March 1st

Purchase Your Tickets: HERE

Friday & Saturday- $40.00 (plus venue fees) All High School wrestlers will compete Friday and Saturday. 

Children 5 and under are free. 

** All Tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable.

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

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
To Request a Video Review You Must:
 
  1. Go to the table and inform the mat official that you would like a video review of a call
  2. 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)
  3. A review team member will come to the mat and complete the video review and inform the table of his decision which is final 
Things that cannot be reviewed:
  • Falls
Note: All protests for action in any period must be made prior to the start of the next period.  End of match protest can only be made for action in the last period wrestled and wrestlers must remain in the mat area until the review is completed.
 

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.
Do I have to wear my High School singlet?
  • 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?

  • The NHSCA will issue a refund for 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, there will not be space to workout due to set-up.

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.

March 28-30, 2025

March 27-29,2026

Seth gross and Joey McKenna Clinic

Free for anyone to attend on saturday

About Seth Gross

  • NCAA Champ
  • 3x All American
  • Big 12 Wrestler of the Year
  • Hodge Trophy Finalist
  • 3rd Most Dominant Wrestler at the NCAA’s
  • 2022 World Team Member

About Joey McKenna

  • 3x  NCAA All American
  • 2x Big Ten Champion
  • 2x Pac-12 Champion
  • 2x Pan American Champion