For years, Fairfax County has been the powerhouse of Northern Virginia wrestling. Bigger schools, deeper lineups, and more state recognition. But the tide is turning — and the driving force behind that shift is the Arlington Wrestling Club (AWC).
From Underdogs to Contenders
Last season, Arlington entered the postseason with only 4 ranked wrestlers across the county. Fairfax, by comparison, had 6. Fast forward to this year’s preseason rankings: Arlington has surged to 9 ranked wrestlers, matching Fairfax wrestler-for-wrestler.
This kind of growth doesn’t happen by accident. It’s the product of consistent training opportunities, a shared culture across schools, and the year-round development pipeline created by the Arlington Wrestling Club.
Arlington vs Fairfax: Ranked Wrestlers Comparison
Wrestling on the Rise in Northern Virginia
It’s not just Arlington — wrestling across Northern Virginia is booming. More kids are joining the sport, more programs are building girls’ teams, and more clubs are opening their doors to train the next generation. Fairfax, Loudoun, Prince William, and Arlington are now producing nationally recognized talent every year.
Arlington’s rise through AWC is part of this wave, proving that with the right structure and support, even smaller wrestling communities can stand toe-to-toe with the traditional powerhouses.
Why the Growth in Arlington?
AWC has become the backbone of wrestling in the county. By giving athletes from Washington-Liberty, Wakefield, and Yorktown the chance to train together, compete at a high level, and learn from dedicated coaches, the club has raised the standard across the board.
- Shared Training: Wrestlers from all three schools build each other up.
- Year-Round Opportunities: Freestyle, Greco, and Folkstyle seasons keep kids sharp.
- Community & Culture: AWC instills pride in Arlington wrestling — a pride that shows up on the state rankings.
What’s Next
The numbers don’t lie. Arlington has caught Fairfax on paper, and the season hasn’t even started yet. With the foundation AWC has built, the ceiling is even higher. Expect more placers, more podiums, and more recognition as Arlington continues its rise.
Great things are coming for Arlington wrestling — and it starts with AWC.
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