Girls' high school wrestling is changing this season: the minimum baseline body-fat for girls is raised to 19%, hydration and caliper testing deadlines and procedures are clarified, the season calendar is moved up, and the state series is expanded with more regionals, sectionals, and qualifiers. Additional national rule clarifications cover weighing procedures, stalling language, and bleeding recovery.
This episode breaks down what those rule and schedule changes mean for wrestlers, coaches, and families—how weight certification works, how the earlier season affects conditioning and other sports, and practical takeaways for competing safely and effectively.
About Krista Simkiv: Krista Semkiv is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has worked at Palatine High School for the past 7 years. This is her 6th year serving as PHS’s Varsity Girls Wrestling Coach but has been coaching wrestling for over a decade. Krista serves on the wrestling rules committee for the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) where she has the ability to make change at the national level for girls wrestling. Outside of work and wrestling, Krista enjoys spending time with her one year old son, husband, and two cats while listening to Taylor Swift.
About Illinois Girls Wrestling Podcast: The Illinois Girls Wrestling Podcast celebrates athletes, coaches and families helping girls wrestling grow across Illinois. With interviews, practical advice and stories, the podcast connects and supports IL girls wrestling community—on and off the mat.
Visit http://www.ilgirlswrestling.com/
Like us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/p/Illinois-Girls-Wrestling-Podcast-61591738740289/
Follow on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/ilgirlswrestling/
About the Host: Lena Burkut is the host and creator of the Illinois Girls Wrestling Podcast, a show dedicated to sharing the stories, experiences, and voices shaping girls wrestling in Illinois. Through conversations with wrestlers, coaches, officials, parents, and other members of the wrestling community, she focuses on helping families better understand the sport while highlighting the continued growth of girls wrestling. Lena also brings a background in journalism, communications, and visual storytelling to the podcast, with a strong interest in building a more informed, connected, and supportive wrestling community.
No comments yet. Be the first to say something!