Stop the Persecution: Allow CHSAA wrestlers the same amount of berths for NYSPHSAA 2026

Effective immediately, We, the undersigned, call upon the New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) and its governing bodies to grant more than one bid per weight class to Catholic High School Athletic Association [CHSAA] representatives...

Here’s why this matters:

1- Fairness in Competition:
CHSAA wrestlers train just as hard, often under similar or even more challenging conditions, yet they are sidelined from the state’s premier event. Inclusion ensures that talent—not arbitrary boundaries—determines who steps onto the mat.

2-Strengthening the Sport:
Adding more CHSAA wrestlers per weight class will elevate the level of competition, bringing fresh talent and diversity to the Championships. More participants mean a richer, more exciting event for athletes, coaches, and fans alike.

3-Equal Opportunity:
Every young athlete in New York deserves a shot at glory, regardless of their educational path. CHSAA should be treated equally and allocated at least 2 wrestlers per each weight class to attend NYSPHSAA. If CHSAA is a one of the top 2 teams, CHSAA should be allowed 3 wrestlers per weight class.

4-Available Space in the Brackets
In the NYSPHSAA 2025, each bracelet had approximately 10 byes, indicating unused slots. In wrestling tournaments, a “bye” occurs when there aren’t enough competitors to fill a bracket, leaving some wrestlers without an opponent in the first round. With these byes per bracket, there is clear capacity to include additional wrestlers without overcrowding. Adding the top two CHSAA athletes per weight class could fill these gaps, making the tournament more competitive and representative without logistical strain.

5-Strong Performance by Catholic Schools:
At the conclusion of the 2025 NYSPHSAA State Tournament, the Catholic contingent as a collective unit finished third in the final sectional standing; and St. Francis High School was crowned as the overall team champions (from a group of 125 different schools)...This demonstrates that CHSAA programs are among the elite in New York wrestling; most certainly capable of competing at the highest level...Limiting their participation risks excluding some of the state’s best talent, which undermines the championship’s goal of crowning the true state champions across all school types—public, Catholic, and independent.

6-Dominance in the Semifinals/Finals:
During NYSPHSAA 2025, 9 out of 52 semifinalists were CHSAA athletes. This is a significant overrepresentation—approximately 17% of semifinalists—considering CHSAA is just one of several associations (alongside NYSPHSAA’s 11 sections, PSAL, and NYSAIS). CHSAA also had 2 finalists. This highlights the depth of talent in CHSAA and suggests that restricting their entries to one per weight class excludes deserving athletes who could advance deep into the tournament.

7-High Placement Rate:
NYSPHSAA 2025, 12 out of 13 CHSAA athletes placed in the top eight. The NYSPHSAA Individual State Championship awards medals to the top eight per weight class per division (Division I and Division II). If CHSAA entered only one wrestler per weight class (13 total, assuming one per weight class across 13 classes), and 12 placed, that’s a 92% placement rate—an extraordinary success rate. This suggests CHSAA’s top wrestlers are nearly guaranteed to finish among the best, and adding wrestlers per weight class could further showcase their depth without diluting quality.

8-Exclusion of Nationally Ranked Athletes:
Allowing only one CHSAA athlete per weight class to NYSPHSAA, means that nationally ranked athletes from CHSAA may be left out. Historically, CHSAA has produced wrestlers who excel on national stages (e.g., Eastern States Classic, NHSCA Nationals). If a nationally ranked CHSAA wrestler isn’t the top representative from their association, they miss the state tournament, while less accomplished wrestlers from other sections might qualify. Expanding access to the top two or three CHSAA wrestlers per weight class would ensure more elite talent is included, raising the overall level of competition.

The points mentioned collectively show that CHSAA wrestlers are not just competitive but often dominant. Limiting them to one per weight class excludes talent that could enhance the tournament’s prestige and fairness. By allowing the CHSAA to send more wrestlers to NYSPHSAA this could better reflect the state’s wrestling landscape, especially since the brackets can accommodate it.

By 2026, we have the chance to right this wrong. Other states have successfully integrated alternative athletic associations into their championships, proving that inclusion benefits everyone. New York can lead by example, setting a precedent for fairness and unity in high school sports.

We urge the NYSPHSAA to revise its policies and treat the CHSAA like other sections. If CHSAA earns the top 2 spots in 2025 NYSPHSAA, then CHSAA should be awarded with 3 wrestlers per weight class. If not, then they send 2 like the other sections. Let’s give these athletes the platform they’ve earned through sweat, grit, and heart.

Please sign this petition to stand with the CHSAA wrestlers—because every wrestler deserves their moment on the mat. Together, we can make the 2026 NYSPHSAA Championships a true celebration of all New York’s wrestling talent. Thank you for your support!

*In the Short Comment to Target field please indicate what NY Section you represent - Section 1 - 11, CHSAA or Other