While the new weight divisions do not adversely affect most wrestlers, the difference between 118 and 125 pounds may hurt some. Penn State's Hunter and returning national champion Teague Moore of Oklahoma State were All-Americans at 118 pounds last season. Both must now move to 125 pounds regardless of whether 118 pounds is a feasible weight. The final major rule change shakes up the organization of dual meets. The traditional manner of beginning with the lightest weight class and ending with the heavyweight division is gone.
Coaches now draw in a lottery-type process to see which weight class weighs in first.
That division then wrestles first. A 125 pounder conceivably could wrestle last or a heavyweight could be the opening match of a dual. It takes the pressure off the heavyweights and upper weights and spreads it around a little more. Overall, Moyer feels the NCAA's alterations were necessary and appropriate. He added the rules committee had done much legwork and research prior to making the drastic moves.