Rattlers 2025–2026 Season
We’re excited to announce that the Rattlers will join the Tri-State Wrestling League for the 2025–2026 season!
Please note — this is not the same as the JJWA or the Mason-Dixon Wrestling League (MDWL).
There are two separate leagues:
- Mason-Dixon (MDWL): Primarily Northern Virginia teams
- Tri-State: Includes teams from West Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania — no Virginia teams
Rattlers & JJWA
Wrestlers participating with JJWA are considered Rattlers, since they practice at EPRTC.
Both Tri-State and Mason-Dixon leagues require a minimum level of participation to qualify for their season-ending championships.
Please note: MDWL Championships often fall the same weekend as WV’s JR State Championships (Parkersburg).
Which League Is Right for Your Wrestler?
Choosing a league depends on your wrestler’s experience and goals:
- New or developing wrestlers:
Great option for learning, growth, and confidence. Matches are paired by age, weight, and skill for balanced competition. - Experienced wrestlers:
League matches provide extra mat time. Advanced wrestlers often chase tougher competition outside either league, which is completely normal.
Doing Both Leagues
Some Rattlers may choose to compete in both the Mason-Dixon and Tri-State Leagues.
That’s absolutely fine — just keep in mind:
- Schedule conflicts may happen, and missing a league match in one due to a conflict with the other is understandable and expected.
- To qualify for either league’s Championships, wrestlers should still aim to participate in about half or more of that league’s matches.
This flexibility allows wrestlers to get the best mix of mat time and competition across both leagues.
Rattlers Mission
Rattlers includes wrestlers from WV, VA, and MD, and our primary goal is to prepare each athlete for their State’s championship:
- West Virginia: WVYWA State Championship
- Virginia: VAWA Kids State Championship
- Maryland: MD State Youth Wrestling Championship
Participation Summary
- To wrestle in Tri-State League events, you must practice at Rattlers/EPRTC.
- To qualify for Tri-State or MDWL Championships, attend around half or more of that league’s matches.
- Advanced wrestlers may skip certain league matches for higher-level tournaments — this is normal and part of the growth process.
In short: Both leagues are great for development, competition, and mat time. Whether your wrestler focuses on one league or participates in both, Rattlers is committed to helping every athlete reach their potential and prepare for their State Championship goals.
