Across the nation, high school wrestling is thriving.

According to data from the National High School Federation of Associations, the number of high school wrestlers has grown by over 40,000 since 2002-03.Additionally, scholastic wrestling ranks sixth of all boys' sports in terms of participation at the high school level with over 270,000 nationwide.While the sport has grown in a variety of ways nationally over the last 10 years, local programs have not seen quite the same uptick in development.An example that comes to mind is the recent number of qualifiers for the Class 2A and 3A regional tournament from the TIMES NEWS coverage area.A look at the last nine seasons shows a somewhat alarming trend.From 2005-06 to 2007-08, the average number of qualifiers was 25. Over the next three seasons, the number dropped to just over 16. And for the past three years, that number has dwindled to 11.What makes these trends easier to spot in wrestling is its unique focus on the individual, something that isn't as easy to pinpoint in other sports.For some, that pressure might be more than they're willing to handle."There are so many demands, both physically and mentally, that are put on the athlete in this sport. It's only you out there on the mat competing against your opponent," said Lehighton coach Dan Williams. "Unfortunately, many of the student-athletes have decided that they're not able to handle that type of competition and just don't come out. And having fewer kids also decreases the competition in that particular wrestling room."And competition, both in and out of the practice room, is key."The level of competition, especially from teams in the Lehigh Valley, is so strong that it's tough to get into that top four to get out of the district," Williams said, referencing the 2A-qualifying standard. "You're seeing a lot of weight classes that have multiple state place winners coming out of District 11."Some schools, such as those in the Schuylkill League, wrestle competition not in District 11, which forces some coaches to get creative with scheduling."I've tried to balance our schedule with great parody," said Jim Thorpe coach Shawn Albert. "With our league having teams such as Halifax, Upper Dauphin and Columbia-Montour Vo-tech, we use three competition points in total to wrestle those teams individually. Those schools provide a good challenge, but it's three points that go outside of District 11."Three competition points can get you another tournament that could put you in an event with other District 11 teams you may not see in league action or on other occasions."Another factor that can't be overlooked is the overwhelming youth of the eight teams in the coverage area, which all feature rosters littered with underclassmen.Of the 12 qualifiers in 2A and 3A this season, only four are seniors.What will be key in the years to come is to develop that talent, a task that extends beyond the practice room."The Pyramid Wrestling Club that we started has been a huge factor in getting our kids better," Panther Valley coach Tim Robb said of the Lehighton-based club. "I have seen kids from all over the area that came into the club, and they have improved dramatically."With coaches heavily invested in the development of young wrestlers, the outlook for the sport certainly seems promising."I will go out on a limb and predict that the number (of qualifiers) will climb and possibly double or even triple over the next two years," Williams said. "There are many teams in our area that are only graduating one or two seniors and have many underclassmen right on the verge of getting to the regional or state tournament. I think that's what we are seeing right now."Albert, for one, shares Williams' optimism."It takes time to establish your style of wrestling and expectations," he said. "But I can tell you that although we may only have 12 advancing from our coverage area this season, you can bet that number will rise consistently over the next few years."*****MILESTONE WIN ... With his 6-1 victory over Wilson's Nick Antunez in the 113-pound consolation bracket on Saturday, Tamaqua's Tanner McHugh picked up his 29th win of the season. The triumph also gave McHugh the most wins for a freshman in a season in Tamaqua history. McHugh earned his 30th win via forfeit in the fifth place match. The performance was one coach Jon Mashack hopes the freshman can build on. "Hopefully we can get him back on the podium next year in a higher position," he said.*****REGIONALS RISING ... This weekend will mark the next step for area wrestlers in their journey to the PIAA Championships in Hershey. The Class AAA Northeast Regional tournament will take place this Friday and Saturday at Liberty High School, while the AA Southeast event will be held at Wilson West Lawn High School. Wrestling for each will begin at approximately 4:30 p.m., highlighted by preliminary, quarterfinal and preliminary consolation matches. Action will continue Saturday around 9:30 a.m. and conclude with championship finals at 6:30 p.m.