History of wrestling uniforms
By Mark Palmer
Senior Writer
Intermat
What is it about the singlet that generates so much arguing?
The standard uniform for amateur wrestling creates strong feelings for and against. Those who are in favor of the singlet immediately mention the long tradition of the one-piece singlet being THE uniform for the sport ... and raise concerns about the potential for injuries when wrestlers get their fingers caught in an opponent's two-piece uniform. Those seeking to explore potential alternatives to today's singlet cite negatives such as the revealing nature of the uniform as being deal-breakers for some would-be wrestlers.
The ongoing pro/con discussion about singlets has taken on new energy in recent weeks, thanks to Matt Krumrie's feature article for USA Wrestling titled "Is it time for wrestling to ditch the singlet?" ... and Edinboro University unveiling new two-piece uniforms this season.
That said, the singlet has been a subject of discussion -- and, in some cases, derision -- for years. Some outside the sport have mistakenly called the singlet a "unitard" and an "onesie." In a story about wrestling uniforms from 2005, the New York Times described the singlet as "basically an oversize jockstrap with suspenders" then went on to say, "they may be the most mocked athletic uniform in existence, but they are part of a sport that above all values tradition."
In that same article from more than a decade ago, Brian Smith, head coach at the University of Missouri, offered his opinion: "There is a lot of peer pressure when they are younger, especially in junior high school. We need kids to think of this as a really cool-looking outfit. We need them not to be afraid of coming out for a team because of the uniform."
Historical perspective
Contrary to what some may believe, singlets are not as old as the oldest and greatest sport. Jacob did not wear a singlet to wrestle the angel ... nor did a young Abe Lincoln when he took down town bully Jack Armstrong in their match in New Salem, Illinois nearly two centuries ago.
"Despite being all that most American fans know to be the uniform of wrestling, the singlet is not the traditional outfit of wrestling," InterMat columnist T.R. Foley wrote in his Foley's Friday Mailbag a couple years ago. "In fact, in a sport that has spanned more than 9K years of recorded competition, singlets have only been used (for the past) 50 (years)."
In fact, singlets were first approved by the NCAA in the late 1960s. Prior to the early 1970s, high school and college wrestlers in the U.S. had other uniform options to wear onto the mat.
All-time mat legends such as Bill Koll, Dan Hodge and Dan Gable did NOT wear a singlet in their high school and collegiate careers. So what did wrestlers of the past compete in? Here's a look back at some of the uniform options of the past ... which may inspire some great new ideas for what tomorrow's wrestlers may be wearing.
Read Full Story
Senior Writer
Intermat
What is it about the singlet that generates so much arguing?
The standard uniform for amateur wrestling creates strong feelings for and against. Those who are in favor of the singlet immediately mention the long tradition of the one-piece singlet being THE uniform for the sport ... and raise concerns about the potential for injuries when wrestlers get their fingers caught in an opponent's two-piece uniform. Those seeking to explore potential alternatives to today's singlet cite negatives such as the revealing nature of the uniform as being deal-breakers for some would-be wrestlers.
The ongoing pro/con discussion about singlets has taken on new energy in recent weeks, thanks to Matt Krumrie's feature article for USA Wrestling titled "Is it time for wrestling to ditch the singlet?" ... and Edinboro University unveiling new two-piece uniforms this season.
That said, the singlet has been a subject of discussion -- and, in some cases, derision -- for years. Some outside the sport have mistakenly called the singlet a "unitard" and an "onesie." In a story about wrestling uniforms from 2005, the New York Times described the singlet as "basically an oversize jockstrap with suspenders" then went on to say, "they may be the most mocked athletic uniform in existence, but they are part of a sport that above all values tradition."
In that same article from more than a decade ago, Brian Smith, head coach at the University of Missouri, offered his opinion: "There is a lot of peer pressure when they are younger, especially in junior high school. We need kids to think of this as a really cool-looking outfit. We need them not to be afraid of coming out for a team because of the uniform."
Historical perspective
Contrary to what some may believe, singlets are not as old as the oldest and greatest sport. Jacob did not wear a singlet to wrestle the angel ... nor did a young Abe Lincoln when he took down town bully Jack Armstrong in their match in New Salem, Illinois nearly two centuries ago.
"Despite being all that most American fans know to be the uniform of wrestling, the singlet is not the traditional outfit of wrestling," InterMat columnist T.R. Foley wrote in his Foley's Friday Mailbag a couple years ago. "In fact, in a sport that has spanned more than 9K years of recorded competition, singlets have only been used (for the past) 50 (years)."
In fact, singlets were first approved by the NCAA in the late 1960s. Prior to the early 1970s, high school and college wrestlers in the U.S. had other uniform options to wear onto the mat.
All-time mat legends such as Bill Koll, Dan Hodge and Dan Gable did NOT wear a singlet in their high school and collegiate careers. So what did wrestlers of the past compete in? Here's a look back at some of the uniform options of the past ... which may inspire some great new ideas for what tomorrow's wrestlers may be wearing.
Read Full Story
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